Mary Lou Retton Net Worth

Net Worth Details

Mary Lou Retton is a retired American gymnast who has a net worth of $8 million. Her success in gymnastics and various endorsements throughout her career have contributed to her substantial wealth.

Biography

What is Mary Lou Retton known for?

Mary Lou Retton is best known for her outstanding performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics, where she won the gold medal in the individual all-around competition. This remarkable achievement solidified her place in gymnastics history and made her a household name across the United States.

Early life and education

Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. Despite being born with hip dysplasia, which was exacerbated by her intensive gymnastics training, Retton began her gymnastics journey at the age of 8 after being inspired by Nadia Comaneci’s triumph at the 1976 Summer Olympics.

To pursue her gymnastics dreams, Retton’s family moved to Houston so she could train under renowned coaches Bela and Marta Karolyi, who had previously coached Comaneci. This relocation allowed her to receive top-notch training and solidify her skills in the sport.

Career

Retton’s career took off after she started training with the Karolyis. At the age of 15, she won the American Cup in 1983, establishing herself as a rising star in gymnastics. Despite facing a wrist injury that prevented her from competing in the World Gymnastics Championships, she bounced back and won the American Classic in both 1983 and 1984.

In 1984, Retton emerged as the champion at the U.S. Nationals and secured her place on the U.S. Olympic team. However, a knee injury during a routine practice posed a significant obstacle just five weeks before the 1984 Summer Olympics. Determined to compete, Retton underwent surgery and worked diligently to recover in time for the Games. Her resilience paid off when she became the first American woman to win the Olympic all-around gold medal.

In addition to her gold medal, Retton also won two silver medals and two bronze medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics. She retired from gymnastics in 1986 at the age of 18, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Achievements

Retton’s achievements extend beyond her Olympic success. In recognition of her contributions to the sport, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. Additionally, she became the first woman to be inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in 202.

Endorsements

Retton’s fame and success opened doors for various endorsement deals. She had the honor of appearing on the front of a Wheaties box and became a spokesperson for the U.S. drugstore chain Revco. One of her most notable endorsements was as an avid supporter of the Reagan administration. She appeared in several television ads endorsing Ronald Reagan for president and even joined him at a rally for his reelection campaign.

Retton remained involved in conservative politics for years and showed her patriotism by delivering the Pledge of Allegiance alongside fellow gymnast Kerri Strug at the 2004 Republican National Convention.

Other Appearances

In addition to her gymnastics and endorsement work, Retton made appearances in various films and TV shows, often playing herself. She had cameo roles in movies such as ‘Scrooged’ and ‘Naked Gun 33+ 1/3: Final Insult.’ She also made appearances in popular TV shows like ‘Knots Landing’ and ‘Baywatch.’

In 2018, Retton continued to entertain audiences when she competed on the 27th season of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ partnered with professional dancer Sasha Farber. Although she was eliminated in the sixth week, her presence on the show captured the hearts of many fans.

Despite retiring from gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton’s impact on the sport and her contributions to popular culture have left a lasting legacy. Her determination, talent, and infectious smile continue to inspire aspiring athletes around the world.