Mary Lou Retton Net Worth

What Is Mary Lou Retton’s Net Worth?

As of 2023, Mary Lou Retton, the retired American gymnast, has an estimated net worth of $2 million. This figure reflects her earnings from a successful gymnastics career, endorsements, media appearances, and other ventures. Her financial situation garnered public attention in October 2023 when her daughter launched a fundraising campaign to help cover medical expenses due to Retton’s lack of health insurance.

Early Life and Gymnastics Career

Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. Her father, Ronnie, oversaw a coal-industry transportation equipment business. She was born with hip dysplasia, a condition that was exacerbated by her rigorous gymnastics training. Inspired by Nadia Comaneci’s performance at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, Retton began her gymnastics journey at the age of 8. To support her training, her family relocated to Houston, Texas, where she could work with renowned coaches Bela and Marta Karolyi, who had previously trained Comaneci. In 1983, at the age of 15, she won the American Cup. That same year, she secured second place at the U.S. Nationals, just behind Dianne Durham. Although a wrist injury sidelined her from the World Gymnastics Championships, she triumphed at the American Classic in both 1983 and 1984. Retton clinched victory at the U.S. Nationals in 1984 and qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. However, she sustained a knee injury during a routine, requiring surgery five weeks before the 1984 Summer Olympics. Despite the setback, she recovered in time to compete.

1984 Summer Olympics Triumph

The 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles marked a significant turning point in Retton’s career. With much of the Soviet bloc boycotting the games, the competition was primarily between Retton and Romanian gymnast Ecaterina Szabo. Initially trailing Szabo, Retton achieved perfect scores of 10 on both the vault and floor exercise, securing her the all-around gold medal. This victory was particularly remarkable considering her recent knee surgery. Retton won the gold by a narrow margin of .05 points, becoming the first female gymnast not from Eastern Europe to win the individual all-around gold. She was also the first American woman to achieve this feat. In addition to her gold medal, Retton also won two silver and two bronze medals at the same Olympics.

Post-Olympics Career and Endorsements

Following the Olympics, Retton continued her gymnastics career, winning the American Cup all-around competition for a third time in 1985. She retired from gymnastics in 1986 at the age of 18. Her signature move on the uneven bars, “The Retton Flip,” was later removed from the Code of Points due to changes in gymnastics style. In 1997, Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. In January 2020, she became the first woman inducted into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame. Retton capitalized on her Olympic success with numerous endorsement deals. She appeared on the front of a Wheaties box and became a spokeswoman for the U.S. drugstore chain Revco. She also became a vocal supporter of the Reagan administration, appearing in television ads and at rallies. She remained involved in conservative politics for years, including delivering the Pledge of Allegiance at the 2004 Republican National Convention with fellow gymnast Kerri Strug.

Media Appearances and Acting Roles

Retton made cameo appearances as herself in films such as “Scrooged” and “Naked Gun 33+ 1/3: The Final Insult.” She also appeared in television shows like “Knots Landing” and “Baywatch,” as well as a 2014 commercial for RadioShack. In 2018, she competed on the 27th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” partnered with Sasha Farber, but was eliminated in the sixth week, finishing in ninth place. These appearances likely contributed to her income and overall net worth.

Personal Life and Divorce Settlement

After her gymnastics career, Retton attended The University of Texas at Austin. She lived in Houston, Texas, until 2009, when she moved back to West Virginia. In 2012, she moved back to Houston and married real estate developer Shannon Kelley, the former quarterback of the University of Texas. They have four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. The couple divorced in 2018. According to the terms of their divorce settlement, Shannon reportedly paid Mary Lou $2 million in cash and property. Specifically, $1,950,597 worth of cash and property. That amount did not include her share of the proceeds from the sale of a home in Houston and a home in West Virginia. The Houston home was sold for $800,000, and the West Virginia home was sold for $575,000. Mary also received the couple’s 2015 Porsche Panamera. The divorce settlement likely had a significant impact on Mary Lou Retton’s net worth.

Health Challenges and Fundraising Efforts

In October 2023, Mary Lou Retton faced a severe health crisis, requiring intensive care for an unexplained illness that affected her breathing. Her daughter, McKenna, revealed that Retton did not have health insurance, making it difficult to afford the necessary medical treatment. A fundraising page was created with an initial goal of $50,000 to help cover her medical expenses. The campaign garnered significant support, ultimately raising approximately $460,000. McKenna explained that her mother’s lack of health insurance was due to her extensive medical history and numerous surgeries resulting from gymnastics and other life events, making insurance unaffordable. She also noted that her mother’s income had decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as her speaking fees had dropped from up to $25,000 per speech. This situation highlighted the challenges faced by many individuals, including celebrities, in securing affordable healthcare.

Detailed Breakdown of Net Worth Components

While a precise breakdown of Mary Lou Retton’s net worth is not publicly available, it is possible to estimate the various contributing factors:

• Earnings from Gymnastics Career: As an Olympic gold medalist and a prominent figure in gymnastics, Retton likely received prize money, endorsements, and appearance fees during her active career. Specific figures are not publicly available.
• Endorsement Deals: Retton’s endorsement deals with Wheaties, Revco, and other companies would have contributed significantly to her income. The exact terms and amounts of these deals are not disclosed. However, Wheaties box appearances in the 1980s could bring in $50,000 or more.
• Media Appearances and Acting Roles: Her appearances in films, television shows, and commercials would have generated income. The specific amounts earned from each role are not known. But even small roles can pay thousands of dollars.
• Speaking Engagements: Retton’s speaking engagements, where she earned up to $25,000 per speech before the COVID-19 pandemic, were a substantial source of income. The number of speeches she delivered each year is not publicly known.
• Divorce Settlement: The $2 million cash and property settlement from her divorce in 2018 would have had a major impact on her net worth. This included $1,950,597 worth of cash and property, as well as her share of the proceeds from the sale of homes in Houston and West Virginia. She also received the couple’s 2015 Porsche Panamera.
• Real Estate Assets: The sale of the Houston home for $800,000 and the West Virginia home for $575,000 contributed to her assets. The net profit after expenses is unknown.

It is important to note that these are estimates based on available information and industry standards. The actual figures may vary.

Additional Financial Considerations

It’s also important to consider other factors that might affect Mary Lou Retton’s net worth. These include:

• Taxes: Income taxes would have reduced her earnings from endorsements, speaking engagements, and other sources.
• Expenses: Retton would have had significant expenses related to her career, personal life, and family.
• Investments: Any investments she made over the years could have either increased or decreased her net worth.
• Healthcare Costs: The recent health crisis and lack of insurance highlight the potential for unexpected medical expenses to impact financial stability.

These factors are not publicly documented, but they would have played a role in shaping her overall financial picture.

Net Worth Summary

In conclusion, Mary Lou Retton’s estimated net worth of $2 million reflects a combination of earnings from her gymnastics career, endorsements, media appearances, and the divorce settlement. While she has achieved significant financial success, her recent health challenges and lack of insurance underscore the importance of financial planning and healthcare coverage.