Mary Lou Retton catapulted to fame for her achievements in the 1984 Olympics. After a few triumphant performances, she was recognized as one of the most talented American athletes. A couple of years later, audiences from different parts of the world couldn't help but be stunned by her enthusiastic response to her daughter's unbelievable routine during the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships. Supporters were amazed by Mckenna Kelley. However, it was Retton's reaction that had everyone talking afterward.
With all this in mind, it’s time to relive Retton's fantastic ascent to popularity and see how she has shared her sources of motivation with her equally talented child. From a small girl’s dream that turned into worldwide recognition to being her daughter’s biggest fan, here’s the incredible life story of Maya Lou Retton that continues to influence people to this day.
A Little Girl’s Dream
Mary Lou was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, to Lois and Ronnie Retton. Lois was an avid fan of dance and Ronnie had played basketball in college. So, it surprised no one when the youthful Mary Lou showed an interest in sports.
As the eight-year-old Mary Lou was watching the 1976 Montreal Olympics, rooting for Nadia Comănec, her gymnastics role model, she said to her mother: “I'm going to go to the Olympics one day. I'm going to win the Olympics.”
Chasing Her Heart’s Desires
Strong-willed and determined to pursue her dreams, a young Retton moved to Houston, Texas, to prepare under the same mentors who had trained Nadia Comăneci. She trained under Romanians Béla and Márta Károlyi who immediately recognized her astounding ability and potential.
Preparing under such esteemed coaches, Retton's exhibitions and mind-blowing gymnastic capacity began to stop people in their tracks. The future gymnastics star was prepared to begin competing in national championships. Little did she know that she was destined to become an icon.
Making an Impression
Under the guidance of the Károlyis, Retton's skills caught the attention of the athletics industry. In 1983, she earned the American Cup, establishing herself as a critical figure in the gymnastics department.
Image via @marylouretton/IG
She also played in the US Nationals that same year, coming a close second behind Diane Durham. Though a wrist injury did drive her out of the World Gymnastics Championships, she proceeded to win the American Classic and Japan's Chunichi Cup.
Knee Injury
In 1984, it appeared Retton would proceed to win an ever-increasing number of titles. She took out the US Nationals and dominated at the US Olympic Trials and the American Cup. Retton was having some fantastic luck and brimming with expectations for the forthcoming 1984 Summer Olympics.
Tragically, before the competition started, she suffered a knee injury. A couple of weeks before the Olympics, Retton had to go through a medical procedure to fix the harm done to her knee.
Hoping for the Best
The Olympics are no joking matter, yet the 1984 competition was particularly significant for Retton. Set in Los Angeles, this was the first time the competition had been played in the US in 52 years. Retton was frantic to contend and make her country proud, but would she recuperate from her knee injury in time?
Injuries and medical procedures demand recovery time, and skipping this can do an immense amount of harm. Retton needed to accept her physician's recommendation and go gradually, hoping for the best.
Full Recovery
Luckily, Retton fully recuperated with perfect timing for the Olympics. Feeling renewed and strong, Retton confronted Romanian gymnast Ecaterina Szabo as both of them fought it out for the all-around gold medal.
With two events to go, Retton was 0.15 points behind Szabo, having gotten off to an unstable start on the balance beam and bars. It would all come down to the floor exercise and vault – the very apparatus that Retton’s mentors warned could be most problematic for her knee.
A Historic Win
Incredibly, as the world watched eagerly, Retton displayed perfect execution in the floor vault events. The audience went wild when the judges announced Retton's perfect scores in both. She had beaten her adversary by 0.05 points.
Indeed, history was made that evening, with Retton becoming the first-ever American to get the all-around gold medal. This was additionally the first time the most prestigious award had been won by a female gymnast from outside Eastern Europe.
Winning Streak
This incredible triumph wasn't the only medal Retton won at the 1984 Olympics. As a matter of fact, Retton won four other medals in addition to her all-around gold! She returned home with the historical gold, a bronze, and two silver medals.
1984 was obviously a brilliant year for Mary Lou Retton. This triumph solidified her in the hearts of the country as "America's Sweetheart." This love was well-deserved by the mega-talented and determined Retton.
There’s More!
Hard work and commitment to the sport indeed paid off. In fact, it wasn't simply national admiration that Retton won for her flawless performance in the Olympics. Closely following her gold medal, she was named "Sportswoman of the Year" courtesy of Sports Illustrated Magazine.
Retton likewise inked a campaign deal with the Wheaties cereal brand, becoming the first official representative for the company. Not one to luxuriate in her prosperity, Retton followed this up with her victory in the American Cup all-around competition.
Hitting the Road
After a triumphant Olympic mission and follow-up accomplishments that went beyond what many people can even imagine achieving in a lifetime, Retton resigned from the sport in 1986. Her athletic spirit did not abate, however, and she proceeded to star as NBC’s Olympic commentator.
She also became a column writer for USA Today and co-hosted the Street to Olympic Gold. Soon after her retirement, Retton appeared in a wide assortment of TV shows. All things considered, audiences wanted to see as much of America's sweetheart as they could.
An Odd Injury
You probably won't be amazed to hear that retired gymnasts experience odd injuries and difficult conditions brought about by long stretches of preparing and pushing their bodies to the edge. Retton even took this to new heights.
She is in hospital in this image due to hip dysplasia. The condition is common among athletes and can cause huge amounts of pain. In Retton’s case, it led to a hip replacement in her mid-thirties.
The Retton Flip
Retton's amazing achievements at the Olympics and her unbelievable ability as an athlete are known across the globe. However, she is admired for more than just her personal attributes – a gymnastics move has also been named after her.
Known as "The Retton Flip," the move is carried out on the lopsided bars. It includes a front flip from the low bar, taking off upwards, and arriving in a sitting position on the high bar.
A Big Task
During the 2019 NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships, Mckenna Kelley realized everyone was focused on her for more reasons than the mere fact that she was competing. Not only was she going after the win, but she was also the child of Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton. This set the proverbial bar high for the young girl.
Kelley positively stood her ground, and the audience went wild when she was granted a near-perfect score by the adjudicators. Yet, it was her popular mother's emotional response to this triumph that truly stood out as newsworthy.
A Mother's Love
Mary Lou Retton and her husband Shannon Kelley share four daughters. Retton has spoken about how she tried to nurture Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma in a simple, loving home far removed from the glitz and glamour of fame and athletic success.
It was important to her that she avoid pressuring her daughters into any career paths. Instead, she let them pick their own way, regardless of whether that meant following her into gymnastics or accomplishing something entirely different. Though they were given a typical and humble childhood, Retton's daughters knew the reality of their mom's amazing story.
Failed Marriage
Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelly started dating during their sophomore year in high school. Their relationship held strong as Retton won gold at the Olympics and enjoyed a sparkling career in gymnastics. At the same time, Kelly was earning his bachelor’s degree, laying a good foundation for himself as a top entrepreneur and sports mentor.
The couple had four children and shared countless happy moments together. However, in 2018, Retton announced that they had parted ways. “We still love one another, but we weren’t great together anymore,” she said of their painful decision.
Raising Her Daughters
In Retton's challenging moments, her four girls came together for her to offer help and endless love. Though she put all her love and energy into raising her kids, she was still shocked to discover that they had grown into four mature, kind, and loving young ladies.
For the duration of their lives, Retton had consistently done all that she could to inculcate them with values of strength, empowerment, and confidence. In an interview with Parade, she said: “I really want to set a good example for my daughters.”
Following in Mom’s Footsteps
One daughter would go on to become her mom’s successor in the competitive world of gymnastics. It should not shock anybody that a daughter of Mary Lou Retton would feel a natural desire to see if she has what it takes – it appears to be instinctive!
McKenna Kelley's course to earning fame in her own right would take a totally different track to that of her mom's. Arguably, her famous mother was an extraordinary motivation to her, yet Kelley was surely carving her own way.
Major Differences
One significant distinction between Retton and Kelley's professions was the age at which they started. While Retton knew from the age of eight that she needed to go into gymnastics, Kelley followed an alternate track before finding her way to the sport.
Kelley didn't join the world of gymnastics until she was 17 – the very age that her mom resigned! This goes to show that while Retton was surely a motivation for her girl, Mckenna was at the same time chasing her own dreams in her own way.
The Next Big Star
Just like her mom, it didn’t take long before Kelley became a major star in the US gymnastics circle. In most big gymnastics events and major tournaments, Kelley turned out to be the one to beat. What's more, it wasn't just Kelley who showed up.
Her mom always came to the events, this time as part of the crowd instead of a contender. At each appearance Kelley made, Retton would be there in the crowd, supporting her talented daughter.
Kelley’s Biggest Fan
Retton chuckled when asked about her shameless enthusiasm for applauding her little girl at her events. "I tell her every season, 'McKenna, I'm really gonna do it this season. I'm gonna sit down like most of the other parents and just clap when you go and be quiet and civilized.' And I just can't help myself!"
It is so moving to witness the strength of their mother-daughter bond, the support and love they have for each other, and the genuine bliss that sparkles in their eyes when they’re together.
Kelley’s Biggest Moment
After supporting her beloved daughter through an assortment of gymnastics competitions and features, Retton was particularly thrilled for Kelley's biggest moment so far. Kelley, a Louisiana State University student, was getting ready for the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships.
A lot was on the line, but Kelley, showing her mom's signature determination and boldness, was prepared for the test. As a loving mother and adoring fan, Retton took her spot in the crowd, prepared to support her cherished girl in her big event.
A Stunning Performance
Despite the high stakes, Kelley didn't give any indication of feeling the tension. As a matter of fact, she performed her whole routine with grace and joy. It was as though she was just partaking in the magnificence of the sport, without a care in the world.
Though she certainly did feel some anxiety in the lead-up to the event, Kelley's joy and certainty radiated through every routine she executed on the day. Everybody watched in amazement as Kelley put on an impeccable show, pulling off an ever-increasing number of tough moves with effortless style.
The Judges' Decision
The audience cheered and applauded with intensity when Kelley completed her lovely routine. You could see in Kelley's face that she was thrilled with how she'd performed. It was clear to everyone that the judges felt the same way when the scores were announced.
Kelley had been granted a 9.95 overall – just 0.05 off the perfect score. Faced with such an accomplishment, both Kelley and the audience were overflowing with happiness. However, it wasn't only Kelley's fantastic accomplishment that was moving the crowd to heights of emotion.
Making Mom Proud
Though everybody in the crowd was moved by what Kelley had achieved, there was one individual who couldn't contain her intense feelings. Mary Lou Retton was in the stands, overcome with joy and unable to hold back tears of love and pride for her astounding girl.
It was so touching to witness a legendary gymnast moved to tears by the triumphant moment of her little girl. Now that we are aware of the deepness of their bond, this response is even more emotional.
No Tension
Kelley has spoken openly about her relationship with her mom and how she motivated her to follow her into the world of gymnastics. Obviously, both of them have an unshakeable bond, and Kelley has consistently been offered opportunities to appreciate life and go after whatever she feels passionate about.
It is astounding to see a girl follow her mom into a similar field out of motivation instead of parental pressure. “She’s just mom to me, that’s all she is,” Kelley said about her mom’s legendary status.
Maintaining Perspective
Despite her international fame and massive success, Mary Lou Retton remains humble. She is more than willing to become less active and let her daughters have the spotlight, whether in their careers or in other areas of life.
“I’m very fortunate and blessed to have been on both sides. The gymnast out there and now the parent in the stands,” Retton said. She emphasized that her love for her children is unconditional and she will always be their guiding light and strength in all the phases of their life.
The Latest Challenge
With numerous accolades under her belt, what more could possibly be in the future for this Olympian, gymnast, TV celebrity, and mega mom? For Mary Lou Retton, her latest challenge was to improve her mindset and her approach to everyday life.
“It is something that I’m working on in my late 40s, just to be okay with being moderate,” she said in an interview with Parade. Retton was determined to be a good role model for her children. “They’re in competition and competitive days right now, and I want them to learn from me that we can still be active and still be healthy and still do it in a moderate way,” she added.
A Grateful Heart
Despite her incredible success and popularity across the globe, Retton remains unassuming, down to Earth, and thankful for her blessings. She has authored a book about what she calls the “gateways” to happiness.
“I talk about my faith, relationships, attitude, discipline, health, laughter. My first gateway isn't that big brand-new house I have or the red Ferrari. Those things don't make you happy. Fame and fortune don't make you happy. That smile that people see that I am famous for comes from a place deep inside of me.” Indeed an icon, Retton is more than her Olympic medals – she is an inspirational embodiment of strength, grace, and empowerment.
Always Inspiring
Mary Lou Retton and Mckenna Kelley are both so amazingly successful, and it seems the skills do run in the family! It’s amazing that they both achieved their extraordinary accomplishments at such a young age.
Retton was just 16 when she won her Olympic gold medal, while Kelley was 17 years old when she stunned the world with her performance and moved her mom to tears. Regardless of how old they are, the two of them will always be an inspiration to young gymnasts and other athletes.
Making History (Again)
Though Retton resigned many years ago, she remains one of the most adored and highly regarded sports stars ever. This is true across the entirety of America, but particularly in her old neighborhood of Houston, Texas.
This is why, in 2020, she earned one of the highest honors of the city. Having left a lasting mark on the world, Mary Lou Retton was inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame. This was yet another historic moment for the talented gymnast because she was the first woman to get such an honor.
Favorite Moment
It must be very difficult for Retton to choose her favorite memory or moment from her highly successful and decorated career. But does the Olympic gymnast have one specific moment that she’s most proud of and still recalls to this day? Of course!
“Probably my double layout on the floor,” Retton said to Inside Gymnastics, remembering how the conditions back then were vastly different from today. “I was one of the very first women to compete in that skill (nearly 35 years ago) on a not-so-springy spring floor! Ha!”
Super Mom
Needless to say, being an Olympic gymnast was hard work, yet Retton revealed that her job these days is considerably harder and more demanding. That job is, of course, a mother! She said to Inside Gymnastics that the outright madness of being a mother to not one but four gymnasts is tough but also a blessing.
“All their competitive seasons are at the same time! It makes for a very busy and crazy time! I also continue to travel the country and give motivational speeches and appearances. I sit on the board for USA Gymnastics. My plate is very full,” she revealed.
Beloved Daughter
Mary Lou Retton was one of the most renowned and adored gymnasts ever. Her trademark determination and humility are part of why she is so happy to surrender the spotlight to her daughters. What are her thoughts about their decision to follow her into the field of gymnastics?
“Trying for the elite is such a personal choice,” she said to Inside Gymnastics. Even though she wholly supports the dreams of Mckenna and her other daughters, she realizes that the drive has to come from within.
Her Own Dreams
Although Retton wanted to give Mckenna all the motivation in the world to chase her dreams, she knew that her daughter’s dreams needed to be her own and nobody else’s. She needed to spread her wings and fly in whatever direction suited her most.
“One must have the internal desire, fight, determination, and self-will to do it,” she revealed. “My only piece of advice I gave her was to live her life with no regrets! I told her that I didn’t want her to look back years from now and wonder what could have been. If she really wanted it, she needed to go for it!”
Forever Passion
From her own brilliant years as America's sweetheart and a big star of the gymnastics world to her role as adoring mother of future gymnasts, it cannot be denied that the competitive sport will be forever cherished in Mary Lou Retton's life.
“I love gymnastics. It is woven into every fabric of my life! I feel very blessed and grateful that I am able to share it now with my daughters,“ she said to Inside Gymnastics. Forever her passion, Retton’s legacy in gymnastics continues to live on.