Mary Lou Retton

First American woman ever to win the Gold Medal in the All-Around in women's gymnastics

Biography

Mary Lou Retton catapulted to international 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 Medalist Team from the U.S., she also won a individual Silver Medal in the Vault, as well as Bronze Medals in the Uneven Bars and Floor Exercise. Her five medals were the most won by any athlete at the 1984 Olympics.

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". In 1993, almost a decade after her Los Angeles triumph, an Associated Press national survey named her the "Most Popular Athlete in America."

External Links

http://www.ighof.com/honorees_marylou.html;

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