Olympic Icon Mary Lou Retton Arrested for DUI, Fails Sobriety Tests in Shocking Footage

In a stunning turn of events, U.S. Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton found herself in handcuffs on May 17 in West Virginia, charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Newly released body camera footage captures the gymnastics legend in disbelief as officers informed her she failed a series of field sobriety tests during a traffic stop in Fairmont.

The video shows Retton, who has battled health challenges including a rare form of pneumonia in 2023, struggling through over seven minutes of tests while detaching and reattaching oxygen tubes. When told she failed every test, her gasp of shock—"I what!?"—echoed a mix of denial and confusion. Despite her protests, officers confirmed the results, and Retton declined a breathalyzer test, leading to her arrest on suspicion of DUI.

At the police station, the somber mood was palpable in her mugshot, and her words to an officer—"I mean, really… I know, you know [who I am]"—hinted at a plea for recognition of her storied past. Retton, dubbed "America’s Sweetheart" after her historic 1984 Olympic all-around win in Los Angeles, later agreed to a blood test to determine her alcohol level.

In a statement through her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo, Retton took full responsibility, expressing deep regret to her family, friends, and fans. "What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses," she said, committing to personal growth from the incident. She entered a no-contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge, receiving a standard $100 fine in Marion County court, with no special treatment requested or granted.

Retton’s legacy as the first American woman to clinch the Olympic all-around gymnastics title, paired with her five-medal haul in 1984, stands in stark contrast to this personal misstep. After retiring, she became a motivational speaker, advocating for fitness and nutrition, even serving on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Her recent health scare, which saw her fighting for her life in intensive care, only adds layers to the complexity of this moment in her journey.

As Retton seeks privacy to move forward, this incident serves as a sobering reminder that even heroes face human struggles. Her determination to reflect and rebuild, however, mirrors the grit that once made her a national icon.