Following her retirement from competitive gymnastics in 1986, Mary Lou Rettontransitioned into a successful career as a motivational speaker, often emphasizing the importance of nutrition, fitness, and healthy living. (Image Credit: X) Legendary gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who was nicknamed 'America’s sweetheart', became a national icon after her stunning performance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. At just 16, she captured the hearts of millions by winning five medals, including gold in the individual all-around competition - making her the first American woman to achieve the feat. She had scored perfect 10s in the floor exercise and vault in the final two rotations to script history.ALSO READ: What did Mary Lou Retton say after shocking DUI arrest in May? bodycam footage revealedApart from gold, Retton also earned two silver medals in the Team Competition and Vault events and two bronze medals in Floor Exercise and Uneven Bars events at the 1984 LA Games.ALSO READ: Mary Lou Retton arrested for DUI in West Virginia Live EventsHer dynamic energy, infectious smile, and fierce determination made her a symbol of national pride. Retton’s success helped propel gymnastics into the mainstream in the US, inspiring generations of young athletes. Beyond the mat, she remains a beloved figure in American sports history and Olympic lore.— Olympics (@Olympics) MARY LOU RETTON'S MAJOR SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTSOlympic Gold (1984, Individual All-Around)Olympic Silver Medals (1984, Team Competition and Vault)Olympic Bronze Medals (1984, Floor Exercise and Uneven Bars)American Cup Champion (1983, 1984, 1985)Following her retirement from competitive gymnastics in 1986, Retton transitioned into a successful career as a motivational speaker, often emphasizing the importance of nutrition, fitness, and healthy living. Her passion for wellness led to her appointment to the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under President George W. Bush, where she promoted active lifestyles nationwide.In 2023, Retton faced a serious health scare when she was diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia. Her family revealed she was 'fighting for her life' and had been admitted to the ICU, where she battled the illness with the help of intensive medical care.— TeamUSA (@TeamUSA) MARY LOU RETTON'S MAJOR CAREER ACHIEVEMENTSGolden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement (1985)Inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (1992)Most Popular Athlete in America (1993, AP Study)International Gymnastics Hall of Fame Inductee (1997)First Woman inducted in Houston Sports Hall of Fame (2020)(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onMary Lou RettonUS gymnastics history1984 OlympicsAmerican sports historyLos Angeles Olympicsgold medal gymnast (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onMary Lou RettonUS gymnastics history1984 OlympicsAmerican sports historyLos Angeles Olympicsgold medal gymnast(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless Explore More Stories123