NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
American Olympic gold medal Mary Lou Retton was apparently in disbelief after police decided that she failed a number of field -accuracy tests during a DUI stop, as seen in newly released police body camera recordings of her 17 May -arrest station in West Virginia, obtained by Pakinomist Digital.
The footage showed a Fairmont County police officer who runs the woman’s gymnastics legend through a series of sober samples for more than seven minutes.
She was seen loosening and tied oxygen tube again from her nose to perform the tests. Retton was diagnosed with a “rare form of pneumonia” in 2023.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
The Olympic Gold Medal Mary Lou Retton received sobering tests by Fairmont, West Virginia, police officers in April. (City of Fairmont)
Officers then asked if she had a valid driver’s license on her, as she replied, “It’s in Texas.”
After almost 10 minutes of taking samples, one officer told another officer, “she failed it all.”
Retton gasped in disbelief.
“I what!?” She asked.
“You failed all your field accuracy, Madam,” said the first officer.
“No, I didn’t!” She repeated herself.
“Yes, you did,” he insisted.
The former gymnast was then seen falling to take a breath test when police officers informed her that she would be arrested on suspicion of DUI. When the officers put her handcuffed, she cried to a nearby acquaintance, “They think I’m intoxicated!”
Olympic gold medal Mary Lou Retton was arrested by police for DUI in West Virginia. (City of Fairmont)
Recordings later showed that Retton was escorted to the police station.
When she arrived there, she was seen telling an officer, “I really mean. … I know you know [who I am]”
Retton was agreed to have her blood alcohol level tested via a blood test.
Retton’s meatsmot showed her in a bleak mood, apparently on the brink of tears.
The Former gymnastics star was indicted for a counting of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled drugs or drugs on May 17, according to Marion County Court Records. She was released from prison after releasing a personal recognition bond of $ 1,500.
In a statement previously delivered to Pakinomist Digital by Retton’s lawyer, Edmund J. Rollo, the gold medal admitted to driving under influence and apologized.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” the statement states. “What happened was totally unacceptable. I don’t apologize to my family, friends and my fans: I have failed you and for that I am deeply sorry.
“I am determined to learn and grow from this experience and I am obliged to make positive changes in my life. I really appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.”
Retton also entered into a plea for non-competition, and a judge in Marion County offered her $ 100, according to Rollo.
Larry Nassar Victims’ main lawyer criticizes US Gymnastics Trans Athlete Policy Handling
Mary Lou Retton was detained in a police station in West Virginia after being arrested for DUI. (City of Fairmont)
“Mary Lou Retton appeared in court this afternoon and entered into a plea for non-competition for a non-aggravated DUI prosecutor who came from a recent event,” Rollo told Pakinomist Digital. “Mary Lou accepted full responsibility for her actions and received a standard $ 100 fine, in accordance with criminal holding guidelines for first-time, non-aggravated offenses in this jurisdiction.
“In accordance with her values, Mary Lou made no request for special treatment and was subject to the same legal process as any other person. She is grateful for professionalism with law enforcement and the legal system, and she fully respects the result. Mary Lou has expressed a sincere desire to use this experience as a moment for reflection and accountability.
Reton was nicknamed “America’s Sweetheart” during her gold medal-winning performance on the summer games of 1984 in Los Angeles. She was just 16 years old when she scored perfect 10s in the floor exercise and vault in the last two rotations to become the first American woman to win the Olympic all-round title.
She earned five medals that year – one gold, two silver and two bronze.
After retiring from gymnastics, Retton became a motivating speech and often shared messages about the benefits of proper nutrition and training.
She also served in the president’s advice on physical fitness and sports during previous President George W. Bush.
When Retton was diagnosed with a “rare form of pneumonia” in 2023, her family said at the time she “fought for her life.” She was admitted to an intensive care unit when doctors helped her fight the disease.
“This is serious and this is life and I am so grateful to be here,” she said at NBC’s “Today” in 2024. “I am blessed to be here because there was a time when they were putting me on life support.”
