Mary Lou Retton, The Olympic legend pleads no-contest to a DUI following her arrest in West Virginia Read about the bodycam video, her apology and the fallout.
Mary Lou Retton Arrest (May 17) histry:
An America’s sweetheart falls from grace ” MaryLouRetton, the 1984 Olympic all-around winner, had a DUI date : May 17, 2025 : Fairmont, West Virginia Mary Lou Retton, one of America’s most celebrated gymnasts, who took the title in the all-around in 1984 at the summer games, was arrested for DUI. The incident included reckless driving and an open bottle of wine discovered in her Porsche. That’s a shocking twist for the internationally acclaimed gymnast — whose public battle with pneumonia and health setbacks in recent years has been well-documented.
In video released from police bodycams on July 8, 2025, Retton can be seen struggling through sobriety tests, slurring her speech, and wearing an oxygen mask related to previous respiratory illness. She allegedly declined to take a breathalyzer, boasted “They think I’m drunk” and at one point identified herself as “West Virginia’s First Daughter” while reminding officers of her Olympic legacy. The video provoked outrage because she seemed disoriented and tearful during the arrest.
What Mary Lou Retton said:
Retton pleaded no contest to the ordinary DUI, paid $100, and posted $1,500 in bail. Her apology came in a statement through her lawyer:
“I take full responsibility … What occurred was inexcusable … I failed you … I am committed to learning and growing.”
After coming close to dying from pneumonia in 2023, Retton has continued suffering health-related issues, such as scarred lungs, and has had to use an oxygen tank. Media reported they related her DUI experience to her underlying health struggle, citing she informed officers that the condition could possibly impair her ability.
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