FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Mary Lou Retton, a celebrated figure in American gymnastics, finds herself facing legal trouble with a misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence after being arrested in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia.
The incident occurred on May 17 when Fairmont police pulled over Retton. Reports had been made regarding a Porsche being driven erratically. According to the criminal complaint, upon stopping Retton, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol and noted slurred speech. She also did not pass a series of field sobriety tests administered by the officers. Furthermore, a container of wine was spotted in the passenger seat of her vehicle.
Retton, who is 57 years old, declined to participate in both a roadside breath analysis and a blood test following her arrest. She was subsequently released from custody after posting a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. Attempts to reach Edmund J. Rollo, her lawyer based in Morgantown as listed in court documents, were unsuccessful as he did not respond to calls and emails seeking comment.
Mary Lou Retton made history at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics when, at just 16 years old, she became the first American woman to win the all-around gymnastics title. Her Olympic achievements include securing two silver and two bronze medals, significantly contributing to raising the profile of gymnastics within the United States.
In 2023, Retton faced serious health issues when her family revealed she was battling a rare form of pneumonia that required intensive care. The condition caused critically low oxygen levels, leading doctors to contemplate ventilator support as her situation deteriorated. However, with oxygen therapy and extended hospital care, her health improved sufficiently for her to be discharged and recover at home.