NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The mug of former American Olympic Gymnastics Gold Medalist Mary Lou Retton was released on Tuesday, months after Retton was arrested at a DUI prosecutor in West Virginia.
Mugshot showed the former gymnastics star in a bleak mood, apparently on the brink of tears.
CLICK HERE for more sports cover at Foxnews.com
Mary Lou Retton’s mug shot after a DUI in West Virginia in May. (City of Fairmont)
Retton 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.
Former Star Gymnast throwing US Gymnastics for Train
July 9, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Mary Lou Retton waves to the crowd during the parade of the Olympians -the celebration at the SAP Center. (Kyle Terada-usa Today Sports)
“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.
Retton was indicted for a counting of driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled drugs or drugs 17 May, according to Marion County Court Records. She was released from prison after releasing a personal recognition bond of $ 1,500.
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.
Mary Lou Retton appears on the balance of the balance on the way to becoming the first American woman to win Women’s Gymnastics individual all-round competition gold medal. (Getty Images)
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.
Retton was diagnosed with a “rare form of pneumonia” in 2023, and 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.”
