Who Is Mary Lou Retton? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Mary Lou Retton is 57 years old. Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, she quickly rose to fame in the gymnastics world after her remarkable performance in the 1984 Summer Olympics, where she became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal. Her legacy continues through her motivational speeches and advocacy for health and fitness.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1968 |
| Age | 57 Years |
| Birth Place | Fairmont, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Mary Lou Retton's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mary Lou Retton's athletic build has always been an integral part of her identity. Standing at approximately 4 feet 9 inches (145 cm) tall, her weight fluctuates between 90 to 105 pounds (41 to 48 kg). Over the years, she has maintained an ideal physique, which remains a subject of admiration among her fans. Her body measurements are estimated to be around 32-24-34 inches.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Mary Lou Retton is a proud mother of four daughters: Shayla, Macade, Skyla, and Emma. Her former husband, Shannon Kelley, was a match made in the public eye, but they divorced in 2018 after being married for over 27 years. As of 2025, Retton is believed to be focusing on her family and career, with no publicly confirmed romantic relationships.
Her father, Ronnie, operated a coal-industry transportation equipment business. She attended Fairmont Senior High School, but did not graduate. She competed in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California, during her sophomore year of high school.
Net Worth and Salary
Mary Lou Retton has a substantial net worth, estimated to be around $8 million in 2025. Her earnings stem from various sources, including endorsements, gymnastics coaching, public speaking engagements, and appearances on reality television shows. Additionally, her business ventures in fitness-related brands continue to contribute to her impressive wealth.
Career, Business and Investments
Since her successful gymnastics career, Mary Lou Retton has diversified into several avenues. She has authored multiple books focused on fitness and wellness, participated in television shows, and worked as a sports commentator. Moreover, Retton has invested in various health and wellness businesses, emphasizing her commitment to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Her entrepreneurial spirit remains strong as she continues to explore new ventures.
Retton lived in Houston, Texas, until 2009, when her family returned to West Virginia. She moved back to Houston in 2012. In 1990, she married Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback and Houston real estate developer who worked for the Houston Baptist University athletic department as of 2012.
Together they have four daughters: Shayla (born 1995), McKenna (born 1997), Skyla (born 2000), and Emma (born 2002). McKenna was an NCAA gymnast at Louisiana State University, and Emma was an NCAA gymnast at the University of Arkansas. Retton and Kelley were divorced in February 2018.
Social Network
Mary Lou Retton is active on various social media platforms, where she engages with her fans regularly. Her Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts provide insights into her daily life, fitness routines, and personal motivations. With a substantial following, she uses her social networks to promote health, fitness, and positive living, inspiring countless individuals worldwide.
Education
Mary Lou Retton pursued her education while managing her gymnastics career. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied communications. Her educational background has served her well, especially in her endeavors in public speaking and media appearances.
In conclusion, Mary Lou Retton remains a dynamic and influential figure in the world of gymnastics and beyond. Her journey from a gymnastics prodigy to a well-respected public figure illustrates not only her athletic prowess but also her commitment to inspiring others. With her age, body statistics, family life, net worth, and career achievements continuously evolving, she embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication.
Retton was inspired by watching Nadia Comăneci outshine defending Olympic two-event winner Olga Korbut on television at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, when she herself was eight years of age, and she took up gymnastics in her hometown of Fairmont, West Virginia. She was coached by Gary Rafaloski.
She then decided to move to Houston, Texas, to train under Romanians Béla and Márta Károlyi, who had coached Nadia Comăneci before their defection to the United States.
Under the Károlyis, Retton soon began to make a name for herself in the U.S., winning the American Cup in 1983 and placing second to Dianne Durham (another Károlyi student) at the US Nationals that same year.
Though Retton missed the World Gymnastics Championships in 1983 due to a wrist injury, she won the American Classic in 1983 and 1984, as well as Japan's Chunichi Cup in 1983.
