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Mary Lou Retton
Olympic Gold Medalist
United States Gymnastics |
Mary Lou Retton catapulted to fame at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, becoming the first American woman ever to win the Gold Medal in the All-Around in women's gymnastics. As a member of the Silver Medallist Team from the U.S., she also won an individual Silver Medal in the Vault, as well as Bronze Medals in the Uneven Bars and Floor Exercise.
Mary Lou's historic Olympic performances, along with her radiant smile and enthusiasm, brought her recognition as Sports Illustrated Magazine's "Sportswoman of the Year" in 1984. That same year, the Associated Press awarded her the title "Amateur Athlete of the Year”. Mary Lou was a three time American Cup Champion, a two time American Classic Champion and a one time Chunichi Cup Champion. She was the all around U.S. Champion in 1984 to add to her five Gold Medals at the 1984 Olympic Games.
In 1985 Mary Lou was inducted into the USOC Olympic Hall of Fame and then was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. In 1993, almost a decade after her Los Angeles triumph, an Associated Press national survey named her the "Most Popular Athlete in America." Mary Lou now works as a sportscaster and motivational speaker.
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