Quick Facts About Mary Lou Retton: Age, Husband, DUI Arrest, and Why She Needs an Oxygen Tank

Mary Lou Retton, once celebrated as America's golden girl in gymnastics, is making headlines again, but not for athletic achievements. At 57, the Olympic legend is facing renewed public scrutiny following a DUI arrest and revelations about her ongoing health battle. Here's what you need to know about her age, past marriage, legal troubles, and the reason she now relies on an oxygen tank.

Mary Lou Retton's Age and Olympic Legacy

Born on 24 January 1968 in Fairmont, West Virginia, Retton is currently 57 years old. She captured international fame at just 16 years old when she won five medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, including the coveted all-around gold. Retton was the first American woman to achieve this feat, instantly becoming a household name.

Standing at just 4 feet 9 inches, her charisma and athletic brilliance turned her into a symbol of American excellence. She later became a regular on television and an in-demand motivational speaker, reinforcing her status as an enduring public figure.

Her Husband and Family Life

Retton married Shannon Kelley in 1990, a former quarterback for the University of Texas who later pursued a career in coaching and business. The couple had four daughters and built what was often seen as a model American family. However, after 28 years of marriage, the pair quietly divorced in February 2018.

Despite the split, family has remained central to Retton's life. Her daughters have publicly supported her, particularly during her recent health challenges.

Details of Mary Lou Retton's DUI Arrest

On 17 May 2025, Retton was arrested for driving under the influence in Marion County, West Virginia. According to police reports, officers responded to calls of erratic driving and found Retton in her Porsche with Texas plates. An open wine bottle was discovered in the passenger seat.

Bodycam footage released to the media showed the former gymnast speaking with slurred speech, struggling with sobriety tests, and refusing to take a breath or blood test, according to the Daily Mail.

During the arrest, Retton identified herself as 'West Virginia's First Daughter', a reference to her state pride and fame. She later entered a no-contest plea to a misdemeanour DUI charge. Retton was fined £73 ($100) and released on a £1104 ($1,500) personal recognisance bond.

Through her lawyer, she issued a statement saying: 'What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses... I am committed to making positive changes'.

Why Mary Lou Retton Needs an Oxygen Tank

Retton's use of a portable oxygen tank stems from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia in October 2023. She was hospitalised with a rare form of the illness and, according to family accounts, nearly placed on life support.

With no medical insurance at the time, her daughters raised over £331,375 ($450,000) through a crowdfunding campaign. The illness left her with long-term lung damage and severely impaired respiratory function. Though she has been spotted occasionally without the device, the need for oxygen support remains part of her daily life.

Retton has described the experience as the toughest battle she has ever faced, physically and emotionally.

From Spotlight to Struggles: The Ongoing Story of Mary Lou Retton

Retton's journey from Olympic gold to personal hardship is a sobering reminder of the complex lives public figures often lead. While her recent struggles have sparked concern, her story also reflects resilience and the ongoing effort to recover, both from illness and public missteps.

She remains, for many, a symbol of strength in the face of adversity.