Mary Lou Retton Net Worth: Know The Gymnastics Star Wealth

Mary Lou Retton Net Worth: Know The Gymnastics Star Wealth. Mary Lou Retton, born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, is a name synonymous with gymnastics excellence in the United States. Her journey from a young gymnast inspired by Nadia Comăneci to becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics is a story of determination, resilience, and groundbreaking achievements.

Mary Lou Retton Net Worth
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth

Mary Lou Retton Net Worth 2024

Name Mary Lou Retton
Net Worth (2024) $3 Million
Profession American gymnast
Monthly Income $20,000 +
Yearly Income $0.2 Million +
Retired 29 September 1986
Last Updated 2024

Mary Lou Retton Biography

Real Name Mary Lou Retton
Birth Place: Fairmont, West Virginia, United States
Date Of Birth: 24 January 1968
Age: 56 years old 
Height: 4′ 9″ / 1.45 m
Weight: 42 kg / 92 lbs
Education: The University of Texas at Austin, West Virginia University, Fairmont Senior High School
Religion: N/A
Nationality: American
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Gender: Female
Sexual Orientation: Straight
Kids/Children Name: McKenna Lane Kelley, Shayla Rae Kelley, Skyla Brae Kelley, Emma Jean Kelley
Parents: Lois Retton, Ronnie Retton
Boyfriend: N/A
Husband: Shannon Kelley

Early Life and Inspiration

Gymnastics was Mary Lou Retton’s first love from an early age. After witnessing Nadia Comăneci’s incredible performance at the 1976 Summer Olympics, Retton began gymnastics in her Fairmont, Pennsylvania, hometown. Her early instruction under Gary Rafaloski, her coach, set the stage for her success in the future. But what changed her career was moving to Houston, Texas, to train with world-class instructors Béla and Márta Károlyi.

  • Birthdate and Place: Born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
  • Nickname: Known as “America’s Sweetheart”.

Personal Life

Mary Lou wed former football player Shannon Kelley. Both of them have four kids. She has been a devoted mother and has always emphasized the value of family. Mary Lou is an inspiration in life and athletics because of her upbeat outlook and tenacity.

The 1984 Summer Olympics

The pinnacle of Retton’s career came at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite undergoing knee surgery just five weeks before the Games, Retton’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat. Additionally, she secured two silver medals and two bronze medals, making her one of the most decorated athletes of the Games.

Olympic Achievements

Event Medal Score
Individual All-Around Gold 39.175
Team Competition Silver 391.500
Vault Silver 19.950
Uneven Bars Bronze 19.850
Floor Exercise Bronze 19.900

Key Facts:

  • Birthdate and Place: Born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia.
  • Olympic Gold: First American woman to win an Olympic all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
  • Perfect 10s: Scored two perfect 10s on the vault and floor exercise during the 1984 Olympics.
  • Medal Haul: Won a total of five medals at the 1984 Olympics: one gold, two silver, and two bronze.
  • Nickname: Known as “America’s Sweetheart”.
  • Height: Stands at 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm).
  • Early Inspiration: Inspired by Nadia Comăneci’s performance at the 1976 Olympics.
  • Coaches: Trained under Béla and Márta Károlyi.
  • Injury and Comeback: Underwent knee surgery just five weeks before the 1984 Olympics.
  • Retirement: Retired from gymnastics on September 29, 1986.
  • Post-Retirement: Inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
  • Television Career: Worked in television and advertised for a well-known breakfast cereal.
  • Public Service: Served on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
  • Family: Has four daughters.
  • Favorite Food: Loves Italian cuisine.
  • Favourite Singer: Bruno Mars.
  • Favourite Book: The Bible.
  • Favourite TV Show: “24”.
  • Favourite Movie: “Rocky” (the original).
  • Health Challenge: Faced a severe bout of pneumonia in 2023.
  • Legacy: Inspired future U.S. all-around medalists like Shannon Miller, Carly Patterson, and Shawn Johnson.
  • Honours: A park and a street in her hometown are named after her.
  • Early Training: Started gymnastics in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia.
  • American Cup: Won the American Cup three times (1983, 1984, 1985).
  • Chunichi Cup: Won Japan’s Chunichi Cup in 1983.
  • American Classic: Won the American Classic in 1983 and 1984.
  • U.S. Nationals: Won the U.S. Nationals in 1984.
  • Olympic Trials: Won the U.S. Olympic Trials in 1984.
  • Favorite Hobby: Enjoys cooking.
  • Favourite Family Activity: Loves playing board games and cards with her family.
  • Favourite Vacation Spots: Italy and the Greek Isles4.
  • High School: Attended Fairmont Senior High School but did not graduate.
  • Early Career: Missed the 1983 World Championships due to a wrist injury.
  • Historic Win: Her 1984 Olympic gold was the first for an American woman in the all-around competition.

FAQ: Mary Lou Retton Net Worth

Who is Mary Lou Retton?

Mary Lou Retton is a retired American gymnast who won the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, becoming the first American woman to do so.

What are Mary Lou Retton’s major achievements?

Besides her all-around gold, she also won two silver medals (team and vault) and two bronze medals (uneven bars and floor exercise) at the 1984 Olympics.

Did Mary Lou Retton ever score a perfect 10?

Yes, she scored a perfect 10 on the vault during the 1984 Olympics.

What is Mary Lou Retton’s favorite Olympic moment?

Her favourite Olympic moment is walking into the LA Coliseum for the first time during the opening ceremony.

What is Mary Lou Retton’s favourite food?

She loves Italian food.

What advice does Mary Lou Retton give?

Her best advice is to never give up on your dreams, work hard, and live your life with no regrets.

What health challenges has Mary Lou Retton faced?

She faced a life-threatening bout of pneumonia in 2023, which required intensive care.

What is Mary Lou Retton’s favourite hobby?

She enjoys cooking.

What is Mary Lou Retton’s favorite family activity?

She loves playing board games and cards with her family.

What is Mary Lou Retton’s favourite vacation destination?

Her favourite vacation spots are Italy and the Greek Isles.

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