History of Mary Lou Retton in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 27, 2025

Mary Lou Retton is a retired American gymnast who achieved significant success at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She became the first American woman to win a gold medal in the individual all-around competition. In addition to her gold medal, Retton also secured two silver and two bronze medals at the same Olympics, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in gymnastics history and an American sports icon.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

January 24, 1968: Mary Lou Retton's Birth

On January 24, 1968, Mary Lou Retton was born. She would later become an American retired gymnast.

Others born on this day/year

1976: Inspiration from Nadia Comăneci

In 1976, at the age of eight, Mary Lou Retton was inspired by watching Nadia Comăneci at the Summer Olympics in Montreal and subsequently started gymnastics.

1983: American Cup Win and Other Competitions

In 1983, Mary Lou Retton won the American Cup and placed second at the US Nationals. She also won the American Classic and Japan's Chunichi Cup.

1984: Knee Injury and Olympic Gold

In 1984, Mary Lou Retton suffered a knee injury and underwent surgery before the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She recovered in time to compete and won the all-around gold medal, becoming the first American woman to do so.

1984: American Classic Win

In 1984, Mary Lou Retton won the American Classic.

1984: Participation in the 1984 Olympic Games

In 1984, Mary Lou Retton, during her sophomore year of high school, competed in the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles, California.

1984: 1984 Summer Olympics

In 1984, at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Mary Lou Retton won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, as well as two silver and two bronze medals.

1985: Golden Plate Award

In 1985, Mary Lou Retton received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement.

1985: Third American Cup Win

In 1985, Mary Lou Retton won the American Cup all-around competition for the third time.

1986: Retirement from Gymnastics

In 1986, Mary Lou Retton retired from gymnastics.

1990: Marriage to Shannon Kelley

In 1990, Mary Lou Retton married Shannon Kelley.

1992: Election to National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

In 1992, Mary Lou Retton was elected to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

1993: Most Popular Athlete

In 1993, Mary Lou Retton was statistically tied as the most popular athlete in America, according to an Associated Press sports study.

1995: Birth of Daughter Shayla

In 1995, Mary Lou Retton's daughter, Shayla, was born.

1996: Kerri Strug wins Olympic Gold

In 1996, Kerri Strug won an Olympic gold medal.

1997: Induction into International Gymnastics Hall of Fame

In 1997, Mary Lou Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

1997: Birth of Daughter McKenna

In 1997, Mary Lou Retton's daughter, McKenna, was born.

2000: Birth of Daughter Skyla

In 2000, Mary Lou Retton's daughter, Skyla, was born.

2002: Birth of Daughter Emma

In 2002, Mary Lou Retton's daughter, Emma, was born.

2004: Carly Patterson wins Olympics

In 2004, Carly Patterson won the all-around gold medal in Athens.

2004: Republican National Convention

In 2004, Mary Lou Retton delivered the Pledge of Allegiance with Kerri Strug at the Republican National Convention.

2008: Nastia Liukin wins Olympics

In 2008, Nastia Liukin won the all-around gold medal in Beijing.

2009: Family Moves to West Virginia

In 2009, Mary Lou Retton's family moved from Houston, Texas, back to West Virginia.

2012: Gabby Douglas wins Olympics

In 2012, Gabby Douglas won the all-around gold medal in London.

2012: Return to Houston

In 2012, Mary Lou Retton moved back to Houston.

2016: Simone Biles wins Olympics

In 2016, Simone Biles won the all-around gold medal in Rio de Janeiro.

2016: USA Gymnastics Sex Abuse Scandal

In 2016, the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal became public.

2017: Introduction of the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017

In 2017, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017 was introduced to the 115th Congress after the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal hit the news in 2016.

February 14, 2018: Safe Sport Authorization Act Signed into Law

On February 14, 2018, the Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, which Mary Lou Retton had attempted to prevent, was signed into law and became effective immediately.

February 2018: Divorce from Shannon Kelley

In February 2018, Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley were divorced.

2019: Spokesperson for Australian Dream

In 2019, Mary Lou Retton became a spokesperson for Australian Dream, a pain relief cream.

January 2020: Induction into Houston Sports Hall of Fame

In January 2020, Mary Lou Retton was the first woman inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame.

2021: Suni Lee wins Olympics

In 2021, Suni Lee won the all-around gold medal in Tokyo.

October 10, 2023: Daughter's Announcement of Critical Illness

On October 10, 2023, Mary Lou Retton's daughter, McKenna, announced that her mother was critically ill with pneumonia and lacked health insurance, leading to crowdfunding efforts for medical expenses.

October 30, 2023: Retton's Statement on Recovery

On October 30, 2023, Mary Lou Retton issued a statement indicating she was recovering with family and remaining positive despite the slow recovery process.