Mary Lou Retton, one of the most decorated gymnasts in American history, couldn’t afford American medical treatment on her own despite her many awards and accolades.
In October 2023, Retton, then 55 years old, was said to be “fighting for her life” while battling pneumonia. Her children raised over $300,000 for her medical care through a crowdfunding campaign, with help from generous donors, including businessmen Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale and his wife, who gave $50,000.
Many people in 2023 were curious about what became of Mary Lou Retton’s fortune after hearing about the fundraising efforts. Learn more about the history of her money troubles.
How Much Money Will Mary Lou Retton In 2023?
In 2023, Mary Lou Retton is predicted to have a net worth of $2 million, albeit any credible sources have not corroborated this number.
A person’s net worth includes not only their income but also the value of their assets (including their home, cars, and investments), less their debts and other financial obligations.
U.S. Gymnast Mary Lou Retton’s Net Worth Helps Explain Her Insurance Issues https://t.co/28Mz7tmADz
— Distractify (@Distractify) October 13, 2023
Even though Retton’s net worth is $2 million, she may not have the financial resources to cover a very expensive medical expense.
When Did Mary Lou Retton First Start Getting Recognized?
Mary Lou Retton excelled at gymnastics from a young age. At age 8, she began gymnastics, and she later relocated from Fairmont, West Virginia, to Houston, Texas, for further training.
She quickly rose to prominence as a formidable opponent, winning multiple national championships by 1983. She had knee surgery five weeks before the 1984 Olympics, but she still managed to win a gold, two silvers, and two bronzes.
She made Olympic history as the first woman from the United States to win several gold medals in the same event. She became the first female athlete to appear on a Wheaties box after her historic performance at the Olympics.
She has been a spokesperson for numerous companies over the years, including Energizer, Purex, Revco, Dobie Originals, Hasbro, McDonald’s, Vidal Sassoon, GNC, and many more. Retton went on to become a cultural icon, appearing in films and television series and even taking part in Dancing With the Stars in 2018. She’s also a public speaker and trainer.
Expand your knowledge of net worth! Click here for related articles:
- Nate Bargatze Net Worth 2023: From Stand-Up Comedy To Wealth!!
- Nicholas Crown Net Worth 2023: How Much Does The Entrepreneur Earn?
Mary Lou Retton Career: A Story of Gymnastics Triumph
On January 24, 1968, Mary Lou Retton was born in Fairmont, West Virginia. She showed early promise in gymnastics, and her parents encouraged her early pursuit of the sport. Success in gymnastics began for Retton under the tutelage of legendary trainer Bela Karolyi.
She won the gold medal in the individual all-around event at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles thanks to her commitment and hard work. For many reasons, this win will go down in history books.
As a result, not only did Mary Lou Retton become the first American woman to win the all-around gold, but the longstanding supremacy of the Soviet Union in gymnastics came to an end. Fans all across the world were captivated by Retton’s charismatic smile, astounding athleticism, and unyielding will to succeed.
Retton won two silver medals and two bronze medals in addition to her all-around gold at the 1984 Olympics. She made history by becoming the first American woman in Olympic gymnastics history to score a perfect 10 on the vault.
View this post on Instagram
Endorsements and Future Career after the Olympics
The sponsorship deals and television appearances increased Mary Lou Retton’s wealth greatly. After her Olympic victory, she became a well-known figure and a champion for the sport of gymnastics. Hershey’s and Wheaties were two of her most prominent sponsors, and she even appeared on the cereal boxes for each of them.
In addition, she was featured in ads for a wide variety of brands, such as Energizer batteries, Revco drugstores, and Purex laundry detergent. The combination of these contracts with her motivational speaking engagements and TV appearances further increased her already substantial income.
Personal Life
Retton attended the highly regarded University of Texas at Austin after finishing her gymnastics training. Retton moved to Houston, Texas in 2009 and stayed there till he moved back to West Virginia in 2009.
View this post on Instagram
In 2012, after moving back to Houston, she married Shannon Kelley, a real estate entrepreneur and former quarterback for Texas University. Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma were their four daughters. Their separation took place in 2018.
Summary
Mary Lou Retton became an instant classic due to her remarkable gymnastic career. While her estimated $2 million in wealth may seem low for such a legendary athlete, her groundbreaking work as the first American woman to win all-around gold at the Olympics inspired generations of gymnasts to come. Her personal life and post-gymnastics career in endorsements and media appearances are examples of her success and well-roundedness.
