Even with all of her awards and honors, Mary Lou Retton, one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history, couldn’t afford the sky-high prices of medical care in the U.S. on her own.
A lot of people were curious about what happened to Mary Lou Retton’s money during the fundraising. Find out some of the background information about her money problems.
Mary Lou Retton’s Net Worth in 2024
Mary Lou Retton is worth $2 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. She used to be an American athlete. At the 1984 Summer Olympics, Mary Lou Retton won the gold medal in the individual all-around event. In gymnastics, she was the first American woman to win both the all-around gold medal and an individual gold medal.
In one of the most exciting times in sports history, Mary Lou was 0.05 points behind the leader, Ecaterina Szabo from Romania. Mary Lou could only win if her vault score was tens all the way through. To everyone’s surprise, she got that perfect ten, and she became famous all over the world right away.
Besides the gold medal, she won two silver medals and two bronze medals at the 84th Olympics. After the Olympics, Retton stayed in the public eye in many ways, but one of the most important was as a supporter of the Reagan government. She also went to the University of Texas at Austin and was in a huge number of TV ads and endorsement campaigns, most famously for Wheaties cereal.
Mary Lou Retton’s Career Highlights
Mary Lou Retton is a retired American gymnast renowned for her groundbreaking achievements in the sport, particularly during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she became the first American woman to win a gold medal in gymnastics.
Early Life and Training
Born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, Retton developed an interest in gymnastics at a young age, inspired by Nadia Comăneci’s performance at the 1976 Olympics. At the age of 14, she moved to Houston, Texas, to train under the legendary coach Béla Károlyi, who helped her cultivate a powerful and dynamic style that distinguished her from her contemporaries.
Olympic Achievements
Retton’s crowning moment came at the 1984 Olympics, where she won a total of five medals:
- Gold Medal: Individual all-around competition
- Silver Medals: Vault
- Bronze Medals: Uneven bars and floor exercise
Her performance included two perfect 10s on the vault, which were pivotal in securing her gold medal. This achievement not only made her a national hero but also marked a significant moment in Olympic history, as she was the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in gymnastics.
Post-Gymnastics Career
After retiring from competitive gymnastics in 1986, Retton transitioned into a successful career as a motivational speaker, television commentator, and actress.
She has appeared in various television shows and commercials, including notable roles in Baywatch and Dancing with the Stars in 2018. In 1997, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy in the sport.
Legacy
Retton’s impact on gymnastics is profound; she not only paved the way for future American gymnasts but also helped elevate the sport’s popularity in the United States. She remains a prominent figure in gymnastics and continues to inspire new generations of athletes.
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Mary Lou Retton’s Assets, Cars, Houses
Mary Lou Retton’s financial situation has garnered attention, particularly in light of her recent health crisis. Here are the key aspects regarding her assets, cars, and houses:
Divorce Settlement:
In her 2018 divorce from Shannon Kelley, Retton received approximately $2 million in cash and property. This included assets valued at $1,950,597, which were divided in the settlement.
Real Estate:
Retton owned two properties, one in Houston, Texas, which sold for $800,000, and another described as a country home in Fairmont, West Virginia, which sold for $575,000. The proceeds from these sales were to be split equally with her ex-husband.
Assets and Income Sources
Endorsements and Speaking Engagements:
Throughout her career, Retton has earned substantial income from endorsements, including being the first female athlete featured on a Wheaties box and partnerships with brands like Energizer, Purex, and McDonald’s. Her Olympic success also earned her a $1 million reward from the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Legal Disputes:
Retton has been involved in legal disputes regarding faulty hip replacements, which could yield additional financial compensation. She settled with Biomet, the manufacturer of her implants, and was expected to retain a significant portion of any awarded amount.
Current Situation
Despite her past earnings and assets, Retton’s financial situation has raised questions, especially as she recently faced a severe health crisis without health insurance.
Her daughters initiated a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $500,000 to help cover her medical expenses, highlighting the disparity between her past financial success and current challenges.
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