What is Mary Lou Retton Net Worth?
Mary Lou Retton, the iconic retired American gymnast, has an estimated net worth of $2 million. Her fame skyrocketed after a stellar performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics where she became the first American woman to win an individual all-around gold in gymnastics. This dramatic moment in sports history is remembered for her narrow victory by five-hundredths of a point over the leader, Romanian gymnast Ecaterina Szabo. Retton scored a perfect ten on the vault, a moment that sent ripples of world shock and turned her into an international sensation at the 84 games.
Her Olympic success, earning five gold medals, two silvers, and two bronzes kept her in the public eye. Throughout her career, Mary Lou Retton net worth has been significantly influenced by her Olympic accolades and public endorsements.
Following her Olympic triumph, Retton did not step away from the limelight but instead leveraged her fame through various endorsement campaigns and appearances in TV commercials. Notably, she became a celebrated supporter of the Reagan administration and a familiar face on boxes of Wheaties cereal. Her academic pursuits also saw her attending the University of Texas at Austin, further solidifying her status as a versatile and driven individual. This blend of athletic brilliance and savvy marketing choices has culminated in a robust financial portfolio, reflective of her enduring legacy both in and out of the gymnastics arena.
Illness and Fundraiser
On October 10, 2023, Mary Lou Retton faced a new kind of challenge when her daughter, McKenna, was admitted to the ICU for over a week due to an unexplained illness that made it impossible to breathe on her own. With health insurance proving insufficient, a fundraising page was set up to raise $50,000 to cover medical expenses.
The fundraiser unexpectedly soared, raising around $460,000, reflecting the community’s immense support. This turn of events highlighted the stark realities of healthcare costs, especially considering the family’s medical history which includes some surgeries. The financial strain was palpable, as Mary Lou’s income had notably dropped during the COVID pandemic, despite previously earning up to $25,000 per speech—a testament to the volatile nature of life post-gymnastics.
Personal Life & Divorce Settlement
Mary Lou Retton, whose gymnastics career catapulted her into fame, has navigated significant personal transitions alongside her professional achievements. After attending the University of Texas at Austin, she settled in Houston, Texas. The city not only her professional life but also her one. She married Shannon Kelley, a former quarterback at the same university, and together they had four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. However, life took a turn when, in 2018, Retton and Kelley divorced. The divorce settlement was substantial, with Shannon paying Mary Lou $2 million in both cash and property.
This financial arrangement included $1,950,597 worth of cash and property along with proceeds from the sale of a home. The couple owned homes in both Houston and West Virginia; the Houston home sold for $800,000, and the West Virginia home for $575,000. In addition to the real estate proceeds, Retton also received a couple’s 2015 Porsche Panamera, marking a significant close to a chapter filled with both public triumphs and private challenges.
Early Life
Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, to a father, Ronnie, who ran a coal-industry transportation equipment business. Diagnosed with hip dysplasia at a young age, Retton’s condition worsened due to her extensive gymnastics training. Inspired at the age of 8 by Nadia Comaneci’s victory at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, her family decided to move to Houston to enable her to train under the guidance of Bela and Marta Karolyi, who had coached Comaneci. This pivotal move was driven by the desire to cultivate her burgeoning talent, setting the stage for her future Olympic triumphs.
Gymnastics Career
Mary Lou Retton, guided by the Karolyis, quickly ascended to stardom in gymnastics. By the age of 15, she had captured the American Cup in 1983 and placed second at the U.S. Nationals, just behind Dianne Durham. Unfortunately, a wrist injury prevented her from participating in the World Gymnastics Championships that year. Nonetheless, she bounced back to win the American Classic in both 1983 and 1984, as well as the U.S. Nationals in 1984.
Retton then qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials but suffered a knee injury while performing a routine after signing autographs, causing her knee to lock up. The injury was serious, necessitating surgery just five weeks before the 1984 Summer Olympics. Facing immense pressure to recover in time, she managed to make a remarkable comeback, ready to compete in the Olympics hosted in the United States for the first time in 52 years.
During the Olympics, the boycott by the Soviet bloc, except Romania, reduced the usual American-Soviet gymnastics rivalry. Retton engaged in a close competition with Romanian gymnast Ecaterina Szabo for the all-around gold medal. Initially trailing after the uneven bars and balance beams, Retton scored perfect tens on the vault and floor exercise, clinching the victory by a mere 0.05 points. This dramatic performance made her the first American woman and the first female gymnast not from Eastern Europe to win the individual all-around gold at the Olympics. She also secured two silver and two bronze medals during the event.
Continuing her success, Retton won the American Cup all-around competition again in 1985 and decided to retire from gymnastics in 1986 at the age of 18. Among her contributions to the sport was “The Retton Flip” on the uneven bars, a move that involved a transition to perching on the high bar. Over time, this move was removed from the Code of Points due to changes in the stylistic approach to gymnastics.
In recognition of her contributions and impact on the sport, Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. She further honored her legacy by becoming the first woman inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame in January 2020.
Endorsements
Following her illustrious gymnastics career, Mary Lou Retton secured some endorsement deals that significantly boosted her public profile and net worth. She was famously pictured on the front of a Wheaties box, becoming an iconic image of success. Additionally, Retton served as a spokeswoman for the U.S. drugstore chain, Revco, and became an outspoken supporter of the Reagan administration, featuring in television ads and supporting Ronald Reagan during his reelection campaign. Her involvement in conservative politics extended over the years, culminating in a memorable appearance in 2004 when she delivered the Pledge of Allegiance at the Republican National Convention, alongside former fellow gymnast, Kerri Strug, on the second night of the event.
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Other Appearances
Mary Lou Retton extended her visibility beyond gymnastics through a number of cameo appearances as herself in various films and shows. She appeared in notable titles such as “Scrooged” and “Naked Gun 33+ 1/3: Final Insult,” as well as popular TV series “Knots Landing” and “Baywatch.” In addition, she was featured in a commercial for RadioShack in 2014. Retton also took her talents to the dance floor, competing in the 27th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” where she was partnered with professional dancer, Sasha Farber. Despite a spirited performance, they were eliminated in the sixth week, finishing in ninth place.
Conclusion
Mary Lou Retton’s journey from a gymnastics prodigy to a celebrated Olympic champion and an influential public figure illustrates the profound impact of resilience and versatility. Despite facing health challenges and navigating personal upheavals, Retton’s legacy extends far beyond her athletic achievements. Her strategic endorsements and appearances have not only cemented her status in sports history but have also cultivated a substantial net worth, demonstrating her savvy in leveraging fame. As Retton’s life continues to unfold in the public eye, her story remains a compelling testament to the power of determination and adaptability in shaping a fulfilling post-athletic career.
FAQs Section
What is Mary Lou Retton’s net worth?
Mary Lou Retton has an estimated net worth of $2 million, primarily derived from her gymnastics career, endorsements, and public appearances.
How did Mary Lou Retton become famous?
Mary Lou Retton gained fame after winning the individual all-around gold medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics, becoming the first American woman to achieve this feat in gymnastics.
What were some of Mary Lou Retton’s most significant athletic achievements?
Beyond her Olympic gold, Mary Lou Retton secured two silver and two bronze medals at the 1984 Olympics and scored perfect tens on the vault and floor exercise during the competition.
What endorsements did Mary Lou Retton secure after her Olympic success?
Post-Olympics, Retton endorsed several brands, including Wheaties cereal, and served as a spokeswoman for the U.S. drugstore chain, Revco. She also appeared in various television ads supporting Ronald Reagan.
Has Mary Lou Retton been involved in any television or film appearances?
Yes, Retton appeared in films like “Scrooged” and “Naked Gun 33+ 1/3: Final Insult,” TV shows like “Knots Landing” and “Baywatch,” and competed in the 27th season of “Dancing with the Stars.”
What personal challenges has Mary Lou Retton faced?
Mary Lou Retton has navigated personal challenges including a significant divorce settlement in 2018 and managing a fundraising campaign for her daughter’s medical expenses in 2023.
What is the significance of the “Retton Flip”?
The “Retton Flip” was a signature move performed by Mary Lou on the uneven bars, notable for its complexity and her unique execution, though it was later removed from the Code of Points due to changes in gymnastics styles.
What impact did Mary Lou Retton have on gymnastics?
Mary Lou Retton’s impact on gymnastics is profound; she inspired a generation of gymnasts with her dynamic performances and was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997.
How has Mary Lou Retton contributed to community and politics?
Retton has been actively involved in conservative politics, supporting the Reagan administration and delivering the Pledge of Allegiance at the Republican National Convention in 2004.
What educational pursuits did Mary Lou Retton undertake?
Mary Lou Retton attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she furthered her education and continued to build her multifaceted career.
