Former Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton was arrested in West Virginia on May 27 for driving under the influence, after failing to provide a driver’s license and refusing to take a breathalyzer test. Officers also found an open container of wine in her car.
The 57-year-old retired gymnast, known for her historic performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, was pulled over in a parking lot in Fairmont, where police bodycam footage captured her slurring and stumbling through her explanation.
“They think I’m drunk,” Retton can be heard saying in the footage, as she attempts to speak on the phone. Her behavior appeared visibly impaired, according to the arresting officers.
The footage, obtained by Entertainment Tonight and released Monday, shows Retton dressed in a yellow shirt during the traffic stop. She told officers she had a Texas-issued license, but did not have it with her. She also declined to take a breathalyzer test.
Police said a bottle of wine was found inside her Porsche, and she was subsequently booked into Marion County Jail on charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Her mugshot was released publicly on Tuesday.
Retton Issues Public Apology
In a statement shared through Entertainment Tonight, Retton took full responsibility for her actions:
“What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses,” she said.
“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.”
A Fall from Grace
Mary Lou Retton made history as the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics at the 1984 Olympics. She also earned two silver and two bronze medals during the same Games, cementing her status as a national sports icon. In the years following her retirement, Retton became a popular motivational speaker and television personality.
Her recent arrest marks a dramatic turn for the former Olympian, who had only months earlier been in headlines for a life-threatening battle with pneumonia.
Charges and Next Steps
Retton faces charges for DUI involving alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs, according to her arrest record. Additional legal proceedings are expected in Marion County.
As the case develops, Retton has pledged to reflect and rebuild, asking supporters for patience and understanding during what she called a deeply personal and difficult time.
