Retired Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton has spoken out after her arrest for driving under the influence.
The Independent first obtained details of Retton’s arrest last month when a criminal complaint stated that she was arrested on a DUI charge in West Virginia after driving her car “all over the roadway” — and being found with a bottle of wine in her passenger seat. She has since spoken out in a statement to People.
“I take full responsibility for my actions. What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses. To my family, friends, and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry,” she said.
“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.”
Her attorney, Edmund J. Rollo, told the publication that Retton “asks for privacy as she moves forward with her personal and professional life.”
The Independent has reached out to Rollo for comment.
On Tuesday, Retton appeared in court where she entered a no-contest plea to a non-aggravated DUI charge stemming from the incident. She received a $100 fine, which is standard for a first-time, non-aggravated offense in the area.
Retton, 57, was booked in Marion County on May 17, according to records posted online by the West Virginia Magistrate Court system.
The former gold medalist smelled of alcohol while she was pulled over and failed a field sobriety test, according to a criminal complaint filed in Marion County court. She refused both a preliminary breath test and a chemical test of her blood, according to police.
“Officers also observed a screw top container of wine in Retton-Kelly’s passenger seat,” the criminal complaint read.
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She was also pulled over after officers observed her driving “all over the roadway,” according to the complaint.
The former Olympic gymnast, who was awarded five medals, including a gold medal, at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, posted $1,500 bond the day of her arrest.
When she was just 16, Retton became the first U.S. female gymnast to win an all-around Olympic gold medal in 1984.
Almost four decades later, in October 2023, she was diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia that left her stuck in the hospital and unable to pay her medical bills.
The former athlete told Entertainment Tonight last spring that she was “sobbing” after learning that her family had set up an account on the crowdfunding platform Spotfund to help pay for her treatment. According to Retton, her financial situation became dire following her divorce and the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented her from participating in speaking engagements.
