Mary Lou Retton Biography: Spouse, Age, Net Worth, Parents, Children, Height, Awards, Movies

Mary Lou Retton is a retired American gymnast and Olympic gold medalist who made history as the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics.

Her impressive career and inspiring personal story have made her a beloved gymnastics figure.

Profile

• Full name: Mary Lou Retton
• Nickname: America’s Sweetheart
• Date of birth: January 24, 1968
• Age: 56 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Fairmont, West Virginia
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Retired Gymnast
• Height: 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm)
• Parents: Ronnie and Lois Retton
• Siblings: Sherry Retton (sister), Ronnie Retton (brother)
• Spouse: Shannon Kelley (ex-husband)
• Children: Shayla Kelley (daughter), Skyla Kelley (daughter), McKenna Kelley (daughter), and Emma Kelley (daughter)
• Relationship status: Divorced
• Net worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Mary Lou Retton, who was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, is 56 years old.

She grew up in a family of athletes and was inspired by Nadia Comăneci’s performance at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

Retton began gymnastics training at a young age and moved to Houston to train with renowned coaches Béla and Márta Károlyi.

She attended Houston’s Karolyi Gymnastics and later enrolled at the University of Texas, where she studied physical education.

Personal Life

Mary Lou Retton married Shannon Kelley, a former football player, in 1990. They had four daughters: Shayla, Skyla, McKenna, and Emma.

However, they divorced in 2018. Retton has been open about her struggles with chronic pain and has undergone multiple surgeries.

Despite these challenges, she remains a beloved figure in the gymnastics community and an inspiration to many.

Career

Numerous achievements and accolades marked Mary Lou Retton’s gymnastics career. She won the American Cup in 1983 and secured a spot on the national stage.

At the 1984 Summer Olympics, Retton won one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals, becoming the first American gymnast to achieve this feat.

She retired from competitive gymnastics in 1986 and has since remained involved in the sport through coaching and commentary.

Awards

• Olympic gold medal (1984)
• Olympic silver medals (2, 1984)
• Olympic bronze medals (2, 1984)
• American Cup (1983)

Net worth

Mary Lou Retton’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million, earned through her gymnastics career, endorsements, and speaking engagements.

Social Media

• Instagram: @marylouretton
• Twitter: @marylouretton

Filmography

• Scrooged (1988)
• Knots Landing (TV series, 1988)