FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia native and Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton has entered a no contest plea to driving under the influence and is speaking out about the incident.
Retton, the former gymnast, was charged with misdemeanor DUI in her hometown of Fairmont on May 17. Her family posted her $1,500 bond the day she was charged.
Retton, in a statement from her attorney, said she’s taking responsibility of her actions and wants to make a change.
“What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses,” Retton said. “To my family, friends and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.”
In 2023, Retton’s daughters revealed that she was battling for her life in the ICU with what was described as a rare form of pneumonia.
Multiple fundraisers were started for Retton, and after several weeks in the hospital, she improved enough to be released.
Retton won the gold in women’s gymnastics in the 1984 Olympics.