Mary Lou Retton Accomplishments

Stephanie Allmon of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram said in one of her articles, “The perky pixie-size gymnast with the wide-tooth smile famously became the first female to grace the cover of a Wheaties cereal box; She remains one of the most popular athletes of all time.”(news.msn.com) Mary Lou Retton is known for many achievements in her gymnastics career including her “Perfect 10” vault, youngest inductee in The Hall of Fame, and many medals in the 1984 Summer Olympics. Her life-changing career started when she was only 4 years old. Retton’s many accomplishments like her “Perfect 10” had a big impact on society.(biography.com) Mary Lou Retton wanted to become a gymnast since she first saw Nadia Comăneci on their family television. She was born to Lois and Ron Retton on January 24,1968 in Fairmont, West Virginia.
Retton started her gymnastics career when she was only 4 years old at Aerial Port Gymnastics. By the age of 12, she had already become a dedicated gymnast and competed in national and international competitions. This is only the start of a life-changing career.(womenshistory.about.com) Mary Lou Retton has had many accomplishments throughout her life. Retton got a “Perfect 10” on her vault in the 1984 Summer Olympics. She was also the Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the year in 1984. In 1985 she was

In the 1984 Olympics she earned a perfect 10.0 in Vault making her the first female gymnast in the U.S. to win the Olympic All Around title. “Mary Lou Retton’s wholesome exuberance won her many commercial endorsements, including the appearance on a Wheaties cereal box!”(biography.com) She is in great demand as a motivational speaker and corporate spokesperson. She made many commercials, appeared in several movies and T.V. shows, and is a popular speaker. Mary Lou Retton is still an amazing role model for many young athletes including gymnasts.