Find out all you need to know about Mary Lou Retton Net Worth in this article.
Mary Lou Retton is a retired American gymnast who was very popular in the 1980s. Her strength, proper balance and coordination made her one of the best gymnasts during her time.
Asides from having a look at Mary Lou Retton’s Net Worth, this article will explore her biography, career and marriage life.
Mary Lou Biography
Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968 in Fairmont, West Virginia to parents Ronnie and Retton Lois. She is the youngest of five siblings: Donnie, Ronnie Jr, Jerry, and Shari.
Her father was a basketball and later owned a mining equipment company.
Focusing on her education, Mary Lou attended Fairmount Senior High School in West Virginia but unfortunately did not graduate due to unknown reasons.
Mary Lou Retton Career
Mary Lou Retton began her gymnastics when she was 5. Her parents enrolled her in classes since they recognized that this was a talent she owned.
At seven years old, Retton was already competing and winning championships. Her first ever round was in 1975 in the West Virginia State championships. From that, she improved her skills steadily and competed with vigor, trying to reach the regional and national championships.
At age 13, in 1981, she gained national attention. She became third in the Al-round at the U.S. National team. Retton qualified for the U.S. national team the following year after becoming second all-around at the Nationals.
At age 15, she moved to Houston, and this is where her career sprouted higher! She trained with renowned coaches Bella and Marta Karolyi.
The two gave her intense training and coached her to be the best version. This gave feedback as she was seen at elite levels. She won the 1983 and 1984 American Cup all-around titles.
This is where her fame was now all over, and she was dubbed as the darling of America, for she was the first woman to clinch that feat. Her award was a gold medal that included a perfect score on a vault of 10.
Mary Lou Retton’s Post-gymnastic career
After her third and final American All-around Cup, she retired in 1985. She began a venture into TV series and a little bit of politics. She was seen supporting President Ronald Reagan’s bid for the presidency. She also participated in the 2004 Republican National Convention.
Mary Lou Retton’s Marriage
MLR, the American sweetheart, was married to Shannon Kelley, whom she met while they were still in College. Kelly used to play football (now retired) at the Texas Longhorns. He played as a starter quarterback of the great team.
Mary Lou Retton got engaged to Shannon at 21, and the two married shortly after. They had four beautiful daughters: Shayla, Skyla, McKenna, and Emma Kelley. The two stayed married for 28 years before announcing their divorce in 2018.
Retton enrolled all her daughters in gymnastics at a young age, but only three stuck with it, while Syla chose another path.
Mary Lou Retton’s Health issues
After retiring and becoming a mother, Retton experienced hip pain that became progressively worse. She was eventually diagnosed with hip dysplasia, meaning her hip joint abnormally developed from birth. In 2005, she had a total hip replacement.
In 2016, Retton revealed she had undergone 19 surgical procedures, including back surgery prompted by a degenerative bone disorder.
In October 2023, her daughter McKenna revealed that Retton was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for a rare type of pneumonia and was forced to be on Oxygen. She started a crowdfunding page to assist with Retton’s medical bills. Despite experiencing a setback that briefly landed her back in the ICU, Retton had returned home by October 23, according to McKenna.
What is Mary Lou’s Net Worth
The former athlete has built impressive wealth as a star gymnast.
Retton’s net worth is over $2 million. The gymnast shot to stardom after her iconic win in the 1984 Summer Olympics, and as a result, she was endorsed by well-known brands and companies.
Mary Lou’s Net Worth Growth
Below is a table showing Mary Lou Net Worth growth over the years
Mary Lou Net Worth Growth Table | |
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth 2024 | $2 Million |
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth 2023 | – |
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth 2022 | – |
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth 2021 | – |
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth 2020 | – |
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth 2019 | – |
Mary Lou Retton’s Sources of Income
Mary Lou Net Worth of $2 Million is made up of different sources of income. They include;
Endorsements and earnings
Mary Lou Retton shot to popularity after winning big at the Olympic Games, bagging several endorsement deals.
She became the first woman to appear on a Wheaties cereal box and was named Sportswoman of the Year by Sports Illustrated. A year after the Olympics, she won the American Cup all-around competition and retired from the sport in 1986.
Awards
While awards clinched contribute to a person’s wealth. Retton has a lot of them! Below are some of them;
- 1983 American Cup Champion
- 1983 American Classics Champion
- 1983 Chunichi Cup Champion
- 1984 American Cup Champion
- 1984 American Classics Champion
- 1984 U.S. Championships
Gold Medalist & U.S. Champion:
All-Around
- 1984 Olympic Games
- Gold Medalist & Olympic Champion: All-Around
- Silver Medalist: Team, Vault
- Bronze Medalist: Uneven Bars. Floor Exercise
- 1985 American Cup Champion
- 1985 Inducted Into The USOC Olympic Hall Of Fame
- 1997 Inducted Into The International Gymnastics Hall Of Fame
Real estate and assets
So far there are no clear and comprehensive details to attach on Mary Lou Retton’s assets, some reports suggest that she owns a substantial home in Texas, approximately 9,000 square feet in size.
She keeps this private hence little is known about the assets she owns.
Film and TV Appearances
- ABC Funfit 1985
- Scrooged 1988
- Knots landing 1992
- Bay Watch 1993
- An evening at the Improv 1994
- Naked gun/ the final insult 1994
- Mary Lou’s Flip Flop Shop 2002
- Glee 2010
- RadioShack Super Bowl XLVIII 2014
- 27th season of Dancing with the Stars 2018
Mary Lou Retton Profile Summary
Mary Lou Profile Summary | |
Official Names | Mary Lou Retton |
Date of Birth | 24 January 1968 |
Age | 56 Years |
Husband/ Boyfriend | Divorced to Shannon Kelley |
Height | 1.45 Meters |
Weight | 93 LBS |
Residence | Houston |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Gymnast, Actress and TV producer |
Children | 4 daughter; Shayla, Emma, Skyla and Mckenna |
Mary Lou Social Media Handles
Instagram: @Mary Lou Retton
Facebook: @Mary Lou Retton