Once America’s most celebrated gymnast, Mary Lou Retton now finds herself facing a very different spotlight. A recent arrest, a public apology, persistent health setbacks, and a reconfigured family dynamic have brought fresh attention to the Olympic icon’s personal life. Here are six key developments that reveal where things currently stand for the former gold medalist.

On May 17, 2025, Retton was arrested in Marion County, West Virginia, after police spotted her driving erratically in a Porsche. Officers discovered an open wine bottle in the passenger seat. She reportedly exhibited slurred speech, failed multiple field sobriety tests, and refused to submit to a breathalyzer. Less than a month later, she entered a no-contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge and received a standard $100 fine.

DUI arrest of Mary Lou Retton shook her public image

In a statement issued shortly after her court appearance, Retton accepted responsibility. “What happened was completely unacceptable,” she wrote. “I make no excuses.” The moment marked a sharp contrast from the clean-cut public persona that had defined her for decades.

After the incident came to the limelight, Mary Lou Retton stated, “To my family, friends, and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement, and continued support.”

Retton’s daughter Emma Kelley’s June wedding puts Retton back in view

Despite the legal trouble, Retton played a central role in her youngest daughter’s wedding on June 30, 2025. Emma Kelley married former Razorbacks football player Hudson Clark at the Dallas Arboretum in a floral-themed ceremony under the garden’s crape myrtle trees.

Retton, described by attendees as “tan, glowing, and very much in charge,” wore a midnight blue gown and helped manage the event from behind the scenes. The occasion marked one of her first major public appearances since the DUI and her long recovery from illness. While the celebration was festive, it did little to divert attention from her recent troubles.

Lingering health issues continued to affect Mary Lou Retton’s life

Back in October 2023, Retton was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia that left her unable to breathe on her own. She spent days in intensive care and required oxygen support even after being discharged. Her family launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover costs, raising $459,000. The fundraiser sparked public debate due to her status and past financial success.

Retton has acknowledged that she now lives with permanent lung damage and relies on oxygen daily. “My physicality was the only thing I had, and it was taken away from me,” she said. Her condition remains chronic, and recovery is described as ongoing rather than complete.

Mary Lou Retton’s name quietly removed from longtime gymnastics event

In a less publicized development, Retton’s name was recently removed from the “Forever Our Legacy” gymnastics invitational she co-hosted with daughter McKenna Kelley. The meet, once known as For Mothers & Daughters Forever Our Legacy Invitational, will now operate under the name Forever Our Legacy McKenna Kelley beginning in 2026.

The change, first noted by gymnastics fans on Reddit, has caused confusion and disappointment among longtime followers of the event. The meet will still take place across several cities, including Greenville, York, and Lansing. The absence of Retton’s name suggests a recalibration of her role in the gymnastics community.

Olympic glory still casts a long shadow

Though the last two years have brought challenges, Retton’s athletic legacy remains intact. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she became the first American woman to win the individual all-around gold medal in gymnastics. She finished the Games with five medals in total, including two silver and two bronze.

Her name became a fixture in American sports culture, gracing cereal boxes, magazine covers, and endorsement deals. She transitioned into television, commentary, and public speaking after retirement. Despite the current turmoil, Retton’s place in gymnastics history is secure. Though her recent actions have complicated how that legacy is now perceived.

Mary Lou Retton is now navigating a personal and public crossroads. Her legacy continues to evolve, shaped by both the triumphs of her past and the reckonings of her present.