Four decades have passed since Mary Lou Retton etched her name in the history books, becoming the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics. Her bright smile and explosive gymnastics style captivated audiences worldwide, and she quickly became America’s sweetheart. But Retton’s journey has not been without its challenges, and the past year has tested her resilience like never before.
In 2023, Retton found herself in a life-threatening situation when she contracted a rare form of pneumonia. The mother of four daughters, Retton nearly lost her life, but her family’s unwavering support and her own indomitable spirit kept her going. “They saved my life,” Retton tells us. “They are extraordinary young women.”
The road to recovery has been a long and arduous one for Retton. As a veteran athlete, she’s no stranger to injuries and hospitalizations, but this battle with her lungs has been a different beast. “Lungs are a different beast,” she notes. “I could rehab the orthopedic stuff within months because I know it. That was my deal, but the lungs have brought me down.”
Through it all, Retton has leaned on her faith in God and the love of her family to keep her spirits high. Divorced after 28 years of marriage, she’s also found a new romantic partner who brings her joy. As she looks towards the future, Retton is excited to welcome her first grandchild this month, a testament to the enduring power of her family’s support.
Retton’s journey is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles, she has refused to give up, drawing strength from her faith, her family, and her own innate determination. “If you’re a believer, you need to look to the Lord,” she says. “That’s where I get my strength.”
Even 40 years after her historic Olympic triumph, Retton’s impact on the world of gymnastics and beyond remains undimmed. She continues to inspire people everywhere with her unwavering spirit and her ability to overcome adversity. As she reflects on her legacy, Retton remains humble, grateful for the opportunity to have touched so many lives.
As an Olympic legend, Mary Lou Retton has accomplished more than most could ever dream of. But even this fierce competitor has struggled with insecurities and the pressure to maintain a perfect image. In a refreshingly honest interview, Retton opens up about her journey to self-acceptance, the importance of family time, and how she’s learning to prioritize her own well-being.
For Retton, one of the keys to feeling good is embracing the simple joys of family time. “A ‘me’ day looks like taking all four girls to get a mani-pedi. That’s our thing,” she smiles. “We love to cook together. I’m Italian and I love that they saw me cook their entire childhood.” These shared experiences not only bring her joy, but have instilled a love of cooking in her daughters, who now cherish the family traditions Retton worked to create.
As a mother of four, Retton admits that body confidence is an ongoing battle, even for an Olympic gold medalist. “I’m so insecure, especially about my body. I’ll still pinch myself to see if I’m pinching an inch,” she confesses, referencing the outdated way women used to measure body fat. Retton acknowledges the damaging impact of societal pressures and the media’s unrealistic beauty standards. “It’s so ridiculous with us women and what we put ourselves through,” she observes.
Retton’s struggles with body image have only intensified after her recent health scare. “With my sickness, they put me on these high doses of steroids, and they make you swell up like a blow fish. I put on 12 pounds and it wasn’t fat. It was like bloat, water. It saved my lungs, but I felt so bad about myself.” Despite this setback, Retton is determined to regain her confidence, even if it means holding off on shopping for a dress for an upcoming wedding.
In addition to her health and body image challenges, Retton has also navigated the daunting world of dating after divorce. “My ex was my only boyfriend. I met him when I was 17 and we were married for 28 years.” After her marriage ended, Retton faced her fears and opened herself up to the possibility of love again. “I met an incredible man through my daughter McKenna. She was like, ‘Mama, I want to set you up. This guy is awesome!’ So we’ve been seeing each other. My advice is to be set up. Don’t give up on love.”
Through it all, Retton’s unwavering spirit and determination shine through. Whether it’s reclaiming her confidence, nurturing her family connections, or finding love again, Retton’s journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and resilience. As she so eloquently puts it, “We just need to love who we are, and honestly it’s still a struggle for me.” By sharing her story, Retton inspires others to embrace their own imperfections and prioritize their well-being, one day at a time.
