Mary Lou Retton Net Worth In 2023 - America's Gymnastics Sweetheart
American gymnast Mary Lou Retton is no longer competing. At the Summer Olympics in 1984, Mary Lou Retton won the gold medal in the individual all-around competition. Retton maintained his public profile after the Olympics in a number of ways, most notably by endorsing the Reagan presidency. She then attended the University of Texas in Austin and made several TV commercial appearances. Let's focus on Mary Lou Retton net worth, successful career, and other factors.
Author:Alex MercerReviewer:Nathanial BlackwoodOct 16, 202311.3K Shares240.6K Views
American gymnast Mary Lou Retton is no longer competing. At the Summer Olympics in 1984, Mary Lou Retton won the gold medal in the individual all-around competition. Retton maintained his public profile after the Olympics in a number of ways, most notably by endorsing the Reagan presidency. She then attended the University of Texas in Austin and made several TV commercial appearances. Let's focus on Mary Lou Retton net worth, successful career, and other factors.
Profile Summary
| Name | Mary Lou Retton |
| Date Of Birth | Jan 24, 1968 |
| Place Of Birth | Fairmont |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Gymnast, Actor |
| Nationality | United States of America |
Early Life
Retton was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, on January 24, 1968. Ronnie, her father, managed a company that manufactured transportation equipment for the coal sector. She had hip dysplasia from birth, which her intense gymnastics training over time made worse.
When she was eight years old, she started taking gymnastics lessons after seeing Nadia Comaneciwin the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. The family relocated to Houston so that Retton could train with Bela and Marta Karolyi, the pair who had trained Nadia Comaneci, in order to support her gymnastics training.
Gymnastics Career
Retton rose to fame in gymnastics quite fast after beginning to train with the Karolyis. At the age of 15, she won the American Cup in 1983. She finished narrowly behind Dianne Durham in second place in the U.S. Nationals the same year. She was unable to compete in the World Gymnastics Championships due to a wrist injury, but in 1983 and 1984, she won the American Classic.
Retton later went on to win the 1984 U.S. Nationals and qualify for the Olympics. She was doing a performance when she suddenly hurt her knee. She felt her knee lock up while she was signing autographs and thought she had a major injury. Five weeks before the 1984 Summer Olympics, she was compelled to have knee surgery.
The Olympics were under pressure for her to do well, particularly because they were being hosted in the United States for the first time in 52 years. She did, however, make a quick recovery and was able to compete. Retton was largely involved in a tight rivalry with Romanian Ecaterina Szabo for the all-around gold medal since the entire Soviet bloc, with the exception of Romania, had elected to boycott the Olympics, removing most of the traditional American-Soviet gymnastics competition.
Szabo, who had received better marks on the uneven bars and the balancing beams, originally placed ahead of Retton. Amazingly, she received perfect marks of 10 for both the floor exercise and the vault, giving her the edge she needed to take the victory. The triumph was all the more impressive in light of the knee ailment and concerns that it might affect her performance.
Retton was the first female gymnast from outside of Eastern Europe to win the individual all-around gold, winning by.05 of a point. She was also the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in the Olympics. At the same Olympics, Retton also won two silver and two bronze medals.
After the Olympics, Retton maintained her gymnastics career. She took home a third American Cup all-around victory in 1985. When she was 18 years old, she made the decision to stop competing in gymnastics. "The Retton Flip" was one of Retton's trademark techniques on the uneven bars, and it featured transitioning while perched on the high bar.
Due to evolving gymnastics styles throughout time, the maneuver was eventually eliminated from the Code of Points. Retton was honored by being admitted to the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. In January 2020, she became the first female to be inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.
Other Appearances
Retton has made cameo appearances as herself in a variety of movies and television series. She had cameos in the films "Scrooged" and "Naked Gun 33+ 1/3: Final Insult." In 2014, she also had appearances in "Knots Landing," "Baywatch," and a RadioShack commercial. In 2018, she took part in the 27th season of "Dancing with the Stars." She finished in ninth place and was paired with professional dancer Sasha Farber, but they were both eliminated in the sixth week.
Husband & Kids
Retton attended The University of Texas in Austin after her gymnastics career. Prior to returning to West Virginia in 2009, Retton resided in Houston, Texas. She relocated back to Houston in 2012, where she later married real estate entrepreneurShannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback. Together, they gave birth to four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. 2018 saw their divorce.
Mary Lou Retton Awards
Mary Lou Retton received several notable awards and honors throughout her career, recognizing her outstanding contributions to gymnastics and sports. Some of the key awards and accolades she received include:
- James E. Sullivan Award -Mary Lou Retton was awarded the James E. Sullivan Award in 1984. This prestigious award is presented annually to the top amateur athlete in the United States and is considered one of the highest honors in American amateur sports.
- International Gymnastics Hall of Fame -In 1993, Mary Lou Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, an honor that acknowledges her significant impact on the sport of gymnastics and her status as one of its legendary figures.
- NCAA Silver Anniversary Award -In 2009, Mary Lou Retton was honored with the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award, which recognizes former student-athleteswho have excelled in their careers, made significant contributions to society, and exemplified the ideals of collegesports.
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth
The former American gymnast Mary Lou Retton has a $8 million fortune. At the Summer Olympics of 1984, she took home the gold medal in the individual all-around competition. Retton stayed in the public glare after winning the Olympics thanks to her endorsement of the Reagan government and her participation in a number of TV ads. She went to the University of Texas in Austin as well.
Endorsements
Retton had many sponsorship contracts after her career in gymnastics. She appeared on the cover of a Wheaties box and then worked as a spokesman for the American chain of pharmacies Revco. Retton also became into a vocal ally of the Reagan regime, participating in a series of television commercials endorsing Ronald Reagan for president.
She also made an appearance with him at a rally for his reelection bid. Years later, she still participated in conservative politics. Together with her teammate Kerri Strug, she spoke the Pledge of Allegiance at the second night of the Republican National Convention in 2004.
Some Interesting Facts
- She began her gymnastics training at a very young age, starting formal lessons at just 4 years old.
- At the age of 16, Mary Lou Retton achieved international fame by winning the all-around gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
- She became the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around gymnastics title, a historic achievement.
- Mary Lou Retton's perfect 10.0 score on the vault during the 1984 Olympics is one of the most iconic moments in gymnastics history.
- She also won silver medals in team competition and the vault at the 1984 Olympics.
- Following her Olympic success, she became a media sensation and appeared on numerous television shows and magazine covers.
- Mary Lou Retton was known for her charismatic personality and infectious smile, which endeared her to fans worldwide.
- She received the James E. Sullivan Award in 1984, which is presented to the top amateur athlete in the United States.
- Retton's gymnastics career was not without challenges; she faced injuries and surgeries but remained determined and resilient.
- In 1985, she won the American Cup and the U.S. Nationals, solidifying her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of her era.
- Mary Lou Retton retired from competitive gymnastics in 1986 but continued to stay involved in the sport as a commentator and advocate.
- She has four daughters with her husband, former American football player Shannon Kelley.
- Mary Lou Retton is a strong advocate for health and fitness, promoting active lifestyles for children and families.
- In 1993, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as an iconic figure in the history of gymnastics.
FAQs About Mary Lou Retton
What Did Mary Lou Retton Do After Retiring From Competitive Gymnastics?
After retiring from competitive gymnastics in 1986, Mary Lou Retton remained involved in the sport as a commentator and advocate for health and fitness. She also ventured into various television and endorsement opportunities.
Is Mary Lou Retton Still Involved In Gymnastics?
While she retired from competitive gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton has remained connected to the gymnastics community through various roles, including commentating and supporting gymnastics programs.
Does Mary Lou Retton Have A Family?
Yes, Mary Lou Retton is married to former American football player Shannon Kelley, and they have four daughters together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mary Lou Retton is an iconic figure in the world of gymnastics and sports. Her historic victory at the 1984 Summer Olympics, where she became the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around gold medal, forever etched her name into the annals of athletic achievement. Mary Lou Retton's infectious personality, charisma, and dedication to health and fitness have made her a beloved role model for generations of aspiring athletes.
Her impact extends beyond the gymnastics arena, as she continues to inspire individuals to pursue their dreams, maintain active lifestyles, and strive for excellence. Mary Lou Retton's legacy stands as a testament to the power of determination, hard work, and unwavering passion in the pursuit of greatness.
Alex Mercer
Author
Alex Mercer is a seasoned author and analyst specializing in wealth research, with a keen focus on evaluating the net worth of individuals across various industries. With over a decade of experience in financial analysis and wealth assessment, Alex has developed a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to an individual's financial status, from investments and assets to market trends and economic policies. His work involves in-depth reviews and analyses, providing insightful observations on wealth accumulation, management strategies, and the socio-economic implications of wealth distribution.
Throughout his career, Alex has become known for his ability to distill complex financial data into understandable and engaging narratives, making the subject of wealth and net worth accessible to a broad audience. His expertise is not just in numbers but in telling the stories behind them, highlighting the journeys, strategies, and decisions that lead to financial success or challenges. Alex's contributions to the field of wealth research are valuable resources for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of wealth in today's world, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between financial analysis and human interest.
Nathanial Blackwood
Reviewer
Nathanial (Nate) Blackwood is a distinguished financial journalist with a decade of experience in net worth analysis. He holds an Economics degree from the University of Finance and a Data Analysis certification, enabling him to blend thorough insights with engaging storytelling. Nate is known for making complex financial information accessible to a wide audience, earning acclaim for his precise and reader-friendly analyses. Beyond his writing, Nate is dedicated to financial literacy, actively participating in educational forums and workshops.
He is the founder of PureNetWealth, a platform that demystifies the financial achievements of public figures by exploring the strategies and decisions behind their fortunes. Nate's work bridges the gap between intricate economic concepts and the general public, inspiring a deeper understanding of wealth dynamics. Follow Nathanial Blackwood for essential insights into the financial narratives shaping our world.
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