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.
contour
- Full name: Mary Lou Retton
- Nickname: America’s Sweetheart
- Date of Birth: January 24, 1968
- Age: 56
- Gender: Female
- Birthplace: Fairmont, West Virginia
- Country: United States
- Occupation: 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)
- Marital status: Divorced
- Net worth: $3 million
Early life and education
Mary Lou Layton was born on January 24, 1968 in Fairmont, West Virginia and is currently 56 years old.
She grew up in a family of athletes and was inspired by Nadia Comăneci’s performance at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
Leighton began training in gymnastics at a young age and later moved to Houston to train with renowned coaches Béla and Márta Károlyi.
She attended Karoly Gymnastics in Houston and later attended the University of Texas to study physical education.
personal life
Mary Lou Retton married former football player Shannon Kelley in 1990. They have four daughters: Shayla, Skyla, McKenna and Emma.
However, they divorced in 2018. Leighton has been open about his struggles with chronic pain and has undergone multiple surgeries.
Despite these challenges, she remains a beloved figure in the gymnastics world and an inspiration to many.
Profession
Mary Lou Retton’s gymnastics career has been filled with numerous achievements and honors. She won the American Cup in 1983 and established herself on the national stage.
At the 1984 Summer Olympics, Retton won a gold medal, two silver medals, and two bronze medals, becoming the first American gymnast to accomplish this feat.
She retired from competitive gymnastics in 1986 and has remained involved in the sport through coaching and commentating ever since.
Awards
- Olympic gold medal (1984)
- Olympic silver medals (2, 1984)
- Olympic bronze medals (2, 1984)
- America’s Cup (1983)
net worth
Mary Lou Retton has an estimated net worth of $3 million, earned through her gymnastics career, endorsements, and speaking engagements.
social media
- Instagram: @marylouretton
- Twitter: @marylouretton
Filmography
- A Christmas Carol (1988)
- Knotts Landing (TV series, 1988)
