Mary Lou Retton is a former American gymnast. She is famous for winning gold medal at 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. As of 2018, Mary Lou Retton net worth is estimated to be $8 million.
Mary Lou was born on January 24, 1968 in Fairmont, West Virginia. She went to Fairmont Senior High School but did not graduate. As a child, she moved from her hometown to Houston, Texas without her parents in order to train in gymnastic under famous coach Bela and Marta Karolyoi.
In 1983, she won the American Cup and also the American classic in 1983 and 1984, as well as Japan’s Chinichi Cup in 1983. After her brilliant start to career, she competed in 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She won the all-around gold medal becoming the first American to receive the all-around gold medal. She also became the first female gymnast from outside Eastern Europe to win the individual all-around gold.
She also won four additional medals in the same Olympics, silver in team competition and the horse vault, bronze in floor exercise and uneven bars. She was named ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ by Sports Illustrated Magazine. Two years later, she retired in 1986. In 1999, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.
After retiring from gymnastics, she became an outspoken supporter of the Reagan Administration. She appeared in several television ads supporting Ronald Reagan as well as appearing on Reagan’s reelection campaign. Mary is now competing in the 27th season of “Dancing with the Stars”.
Regarding her personal life, she is married to former University of Texas quarterback Shannon Kelly. Shannon is now a real estate developer. Together they have four daughters named Shayla, McKenna, Skyla and Emma.