Mary Lou Retton, the Olympic gold medalist who once embodied American athletic excellence, has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Marion County, West Virginia. According to court records, the arrest took place on May 17, and the 57-year-old legend was released the same day after posting a $1,500 bond.

The arrest comes as a shock to many who remember Retton not only for her groundbreaking achievement at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics—where she became the first American woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold medal—but also for her public health struggles in recent years.

While official details surrounding the arrest remain unclear, and neither the Fairmont Police Department nor the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has commented on the incident, court documents confirm the charge involves the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. Retton’s representatives have yet to issue a public statement.

The news follows a turbulent year for the beloved athlete. Just months ago, Retton made headlines for her life-threatening battle with a rare form of pneumonia, an illness that left her hospitalized in intensive care and dependent on oxygen to breathe. Her daughter, McKenna Kelley, shared a heartfelt plea for support during that time, revealing that the Olympic icon was uninsured and in critical condition.

In a July 2024 interview, Retton reflected on her harrowing experience, recalling a moment when doctors warned her daughters that she might not survive. “They prayed over me,” she said emotionally. “My daughter McKenna told me, ‘Mommy, it’s OK, you can go.’ That was the darkest moment of my life.”

Though she ultimately survived, Retton admitted that the illness left her with permanent lung damage, stating, “My lungs are so scarred. It will be a lifetime of recovery.” She also spoke openly about the toll on her self-esteem and physical identity, saying, “My physicality was the only thing I had, and it was taken away from me. It’s embarrassing.”

The DUI charge has raised concerns among fans and followers, many of whom see it as a sign that the once-vibrant athlete may still be grappling with physical and emotional challenges. While some speculate whether her arrest could be linked to ongoing health complications or medications, others are calling for compassion and support.

As her legal proceedings unfold, the former Wheaties box cover star—who once represented the pinnacle of American sporting achievement—faces a different kind of public spotlight. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Mary Lou Retton’s journey continues to stir hearts and conversations across the nation.