Fans Left Heartbroken Over Shocking Body Camera Footage Of Olympic Icon Mary Lou Retton: 'Really Sad'

By Jacquez Printup on July 8, 2025 at 5:15 PM EDT

Mary Lou Retton at 71st Annual Golden Globe Awards
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Shocking body camera footage has been released showing the DUI arrest of Olympic icon Mary Lou Retton. The video captures the 1984 gold medalist struggling through field sobriety tests before being placed in handcuffs by police in West Virginia, providing a stark new look at the May 2025 incident.

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Shocking Body Camera Footage Of Mary Lou Retton's Arrest Has Surfaced

While the footage is new, news of Retton's arrest first broke in May 2025.

According to a previous report from The Blast, Retton was arrested in Marion County, West Virginia, and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs.

The mother of four was later released after posting a $1,500 bond.

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Mary Lou Retton Pleaded No Contest In Court

Mary Lou Retton at the Winning Way Success Expo 2004
WENN Newscom/MEGA

On June 10, the Olympian appeared in court and pleaded no contest to a non-aggravated driving under the influence (DUI) charge.

Retton was fined $100 for the offense, which The Blast noted is the standard penalty for first-time, non-aggravated DUI offenses in that jurisdiction.

Following the plea, Retton's attorney asked the public for "privacy as she moves forward with her personal and professional life."

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Retton Gets Testy With Police Officers In New Body Camera Footage

The body camera footage of Retton's arrest, obtained by Entertainment Tonight, shows the gold medalist being pulled over by police, who suspected the 57-year-old was driving under the influence after receiving calls that her Porsche had been "driving all over the roadway."

At one point in the video, Retton could be heard saying, "Oh my God," after an officer gave her instructions regarding one of the sobriety tests.

Her resistance continued throughout the interaction. At a later point, Retton grew testy with the officer, saying, "Oh, come on."

Retton was later placed in handcuffs after refusing to take a breathalyzer test. On the phone, Retton told someone close to her, "Oh my God, Gia, they think I'm drunk."

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When Retton arrived at the police station with the officers, she told one of them, "I mean, really, I know you know [who I am]."

Weeks later, Retton issued a public statement through her attorney, taking "full responsibility for my actions."

She went on to call the situation "completely unacceptable" before apologizing to her family, friends, and fans.

Retton added, “I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.”

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Fans Share Their Stunned Reactions To Retton's Arrest, Mugshot, And Body Camera Footage

The release of the body camera footage prompted stunned reactions on social media, with many users expressing empathy for the West Virginia native.

"Geez, poor Mary Lou," someone wrote. "I wish she could get the help she needs. Thank God she didn't kill, or maim, anyone."

Another user shared a similar sentiment, writing, "Sad to see. [I] hope she gets the help she needs."

"How tragic that this is what her life looks like now," a third user posted. "She was a young champion and a role model to millions, only to struggle today like this? Really sad."

Mary Lou Retton Has Faced Serious Health Issues Over The Years

Amid her recent legal troubles, Retton has also faced serious health issues since 2023, when she was hospitalized for nearly two weeks with what doctors called a "rare form of pneumonia."

Retton's illness left her dependent on supplemental oxygen, and during a recent interview, she explained that she was still dealing with lingering health issues.

"I still have a hard time breathing and getting breath to speak," she shared, adding that her condition had kept her from working. "That's frustrating. It's been hard, I have to say."

Amid her mother's health struggles, Retton's daughter launched a fundraiser for her medical expenses after revealing the Olympian wasn't insured.

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"My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life," they wrote in the description. "She is not able to breathe on her own. She's been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she is not insured."

Retton's daughter added, "We ask that if you could help in any way, that 1) you PRAY! and 2) if you could help us with finances for the hospital bill. ANYTHING, absolutely anything, would be so helpful for my family and my mom. Thank y'all so very much!"

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