What is Mary Lou Retton Net Worth? Mary Lou Retton has left her imprint as a television personality, motivational speaker, and commercial endorsement, in addition to being remembered as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
Her success in gymnastics and elsewhere has given her a solid financial foundation. This article will discuss Mary Lou Retton’s wealth, her incredible career as a gymnast, and her subsequent successes outside of the sport.
Mary Lou Retton Net Worth
As of October 2023, Mary Lou Retton was predicted to have a net worth of $2 million. Her primary source of income is the many endorsements and television appearances she has done in addition to her gymnastics career and motivational speaking engagements.
How Much Does Mary Lou Retton Make From Gymnastics?
Gold at the Olympics is a fantastic feeling, but Mary Lou Retton’s earnings from gymnastics were much lower than the public might assume. There was a time when gymnasts could not cash in on their popularity with endorsement deals and sponsorships, but that time has long since passed.
Wheaties and the United States Olympic Committee awarded Retton $1 million for her Olympic victory. The rule of apathy was clearly broken here. American toymaker Hasbro also came out with a Mary Lou Retton doll after she won the Olympics.
Mary Lou Retton Gymnastics Journey
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. Retton’s rise to gymnastic fame began under the tutelage of legendary coach Bela Karolyi.
She won the gold medal in the all-around category at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles because of her commitment and perseverance. 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. Not only did Retton win the hearts of Americans but people all across the world, thanks to her infectious grin, extraordinary athleticism, and steadfast resolve.
Retton won two silver medals and two bronze medals in addition to her all-around gold at the 1984 Olympics. She scored the first perfect 10 in the history of Olympic gymnastics for an American woman, thanks to her flawless performance on the vault.
Mary Lou Retton Career and Endorsements
Mary Lou Retton amassed a sizable fortune thanks to endorsement deals and television appearances. She became a gymnastics icon and household name in the years after her Olympic victory. Wheaties, a significant breakfast cereal brand, and Hershey’s, a well-known candy company, were two of her most prominent sponsors.
She also appeared in ads for companies including Energizer, Revco Pharmacy, and Purex Laundry Detergent. Together with her motivational speaking engagements and TV appearances, these contracts provided a significant increase to her already substantial income.
Mary Lou Retton Needs Money for Her Medical Bills
Mary Lou Retton has accomplished a lot, but she still relies on fan support to help pay for her expensive medical care. Kelley’s daughter shared this information on social media in exchange for monetary support.
“Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured,” according to her.
If there is anything you can do to aid us, it is prayer. Secondly, we would be grateful if you could assist us financially with the hospital bill. The family’s initial fundraising target of $50,000 was swiftly and easily exceeded.
Mary Lou Retton, one of the greatest names in U.S. Olympic history, “has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” according to her daughter McKenna Kelley’s Instagram story. “She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now.” pic.twitter.com/9LnwOJNP1J
— Christine Brennan (@cbrennansports) October 10, 2023
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Mary Lou Retton’s Personal Life
Retton continued her education at the prestigious University of Texas in Austin when she finished her gymnastics training. Retton lived in Houston, Texas, from 2009 till 2009 before moving back to West Virginia.
Take a look at her Instagram Account:
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In 2012, after moving back to Houston, she married Shannon Kelley, a real estate entrepreneur and former quarterback for Texas University. Shayla, McKenna, Skylar, and Emma were their four daughters. Their separation took place in 2018.
Conclusion
Mary Lou Retton became a symbol for gymnastics because of her remarkable career. Despite becoming the first American woman to win all-around gold at the Olympics, her $2 million net worth may appear low when compared to the accomplishments of such a pioneering athlete.
Her personal life and post-gymnastics career in endorsements and media appearances show that she has had a complete and successful existence.
