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The famous American Olympic Gymnast Mary Lou Retton approached her recent DUI arrest for the first time Tuesday.
Retton was arrested on May 17 in West Virginia when police responded to reports of a car traveling “all over the way.” In a statement made to Pakinomist Digital by Retton’s lawyer, Edmund J. Rollo, the gold medal admitted to having run under influence and excused.
“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.”
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Mary Lou Retton in action at the uneven bars at Pauley Pavillon during the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. (Darr Beiser/USA Today Sports)
Retton also entered into a plea for non-competition, and a judge in Marion County offered her $ 100, according to Rollo.
“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.
Former Star Gymnast throwing US Gymnastics for Train
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)
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.
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.
(LR) Ecaterina Szabo, Mary Lou Retton and Simona Paud under Women’s Gymnastics Medal Ceremony at Pauley Pavilion at Summer -Ol in 1984 in Los Angeles August 1, 1984. (Disney General Entertainment —Sontive via Getty Images)
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.”
