Mary Lou Retton is an American former gymnast who rose to fame during the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where she became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics. Known for her dynamic routines and charismatic personality, Retton has remained a prominent figure in sports history. This article explores Mary Lou Retton’s net worth in 2024, her age, career, family, early life, education, and more.
Quick Facts
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Lou Retton |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1968 |
| Age | 56 years (as of 2024) |
| Height | 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 93 lbs (42 kg) |
| Profession | Former Gymnast, Motivational Speaker |
| Net Worth (2024) | $8 million |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Shannon Kelley) |
| Children | 4 (Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, Emma) |
| Education | Fairmont Senior High School |
| Social Media | Active on Instagram, Twitter |
Mary Lou Retton’s Net Worth in 2024
As of 2024, Mary Lou Retton’s estimated net worth is around $8 million. Retton accumulated her wealth through a combination of her gymnastics career, endorsements, motivational speaking, and television appearances. After her historic Olympic win in 1984, she became a household name and secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Wheaties, McDonald’s, and Tide. Her fame and popularity have continued to generate income opportunities in the years since her retirement from competitive gymnastics.
Age, Height, and Weight
Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, making her 56 years old as of 2024. She stands at 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) and weighs approximately 93 lbs (42 kg). Retton has maintained a healthy lifestyle, staying active and engaging in fitness activities long after her competitive days ended.
Early Life and Education
Early Life
Mary Lou Retton was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, to Lois and Ronnie Retton. From a young age, she displayed a natural aptitude for athletics and was particularly drawn to gymnastics. Inspired by watching Romanian gymnast Nadia Comăneci’s performance in the 1976 Olympics, Retton decided to pursue gymnastics seriously. Her parents supported her passion, and she began training rigorously to compete at higher levels.
At the age of 14, Retton moved to Houston, Texas, to train with famed gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, who had previously coached Nadia Comăneci. Under his tutelage, Retton’s skills and confidence grew, setting the stage for her historic Olympic performance.
Education
Mary Lou Retton attended Fairmont Senior High School in West Virginia but focused much of her teenage years on gymnastics. Balancing education and an intense training schedule, she eventually completed her high school education while preparing for the Olympics. Retton chose not to pursue a traditional college education immediately after high school, opting instead to focus on her gymnastics career and subsequent public engagements.
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Mary Lou Retton’s gymnastics career took off in the early 1980s. She quickly gained national recognition, winning several competitions, including the 1983 American Cup and the 1984 U.S. Nationals. However, it was at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles that Retton became a household name.
She won five medals in total: a gold in the all-around, two silver medals (team and vault), and two bronze medals (uneven bars and floor exercise). Her all-around gold medal made her the first American woman to achieve this feat, and her energetic routines and radiant smile captivated audiences worldwide. Retton’s perfect 10 scores on the vault and floor exercise became iconic moments in Olympic history.
Major Career Milestones
Following her Olympic success, Mary Lou Retton became one of the most popular athletes in the United States. She was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportswoman of the Year in 1984 and won the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year. Retton was also inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997, further solidifying her legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Retton made numerous television appearances, including acting roles and guest spots on shows like Baywatch and Scrooged. She also became a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing her story of determination and success with audiences across the country.
Family and Personal Life
Mary Lou Retton was married to Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback and current lawyer, in 1990. The couple has four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. Retton and Kelley divorced in 2018 after 28 years of marriage.
Retton is very close with her daughters and often shares family moments on her social media platforms. She is also an advocate for healthy living and remains active in the fitness community, inspiring others with her story of perseverance and resilience.
Social Media Presence
Mary Lou Retton is active on social media, particularly on Instagram and Twitter. She uses these platforms to share updates about her life, fitness tips, motivational messages, and to connect with her fans. Retton’s positive attitude and ongoing engagement with her followers have helped her maintain her public presence and continue to inspire new generations.
Conclusion
Mary Lou Retton’s journey from a young gymnast in West Virginia to an Olympic champion is a testament to her determination, talent, and resilience. With a net worth of $8 million in 2024, she continues to be a symbol of athletic excellence and a beloved public figure. Her impact on gymnastics and her inspirational story have left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire athletes and fans around the world.
FAQs
Q1: What is Mary Lou Retton’s net worth in 2024?
A: Mary Lou Retton’s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be around $8 million.
Q2: How old is Mary Lou Retton?
A: Mary Lou Retton is 56 years old, born on January 24, 1968.
Q3: How many Olympic medals did Mary Lou Retton win?
A: Mary Lou Retton won five Olympic medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles: one gold, two silver, and two bronze.
Q4: Is Mary Lou Retton active on social media?
A: Yes, Mary Lou Retton is active on Instagram and Twitter, where she shares updates and engages with her followers.
Q5: Does Mary Lou Retton have children?
A: Yes, Mary Lou Retton has four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emm