Mary Lou Retton Net Worth: How Much Does the Legendary American Gymnast Have?

The topic of Mary Lou Retton net worth made headlines after her daughter disclosed that she was critically ill and crowdfunded to offset her medical bill.

This left many wondering how such a decorated ex-athlete didn’t have health insurance or enough savings to pay for treatment. This content explores Retton’s career earnings and entire financial portfolio.

Retton is an American retired gymnast widely known as the first woman to bag the all-around gold medal for the US in Olympic gymnastics. She won two silver and two bronze medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics. 

With such a successful career, it is only natural for fans to assume Lou has millions in her account. But how wealthy is this former sportswoman?

What is Mary Lou Retton’s Net Worth in 2024?

According to Market Realist, Mary Lou is worth $2 million. However, despite Retton’s millionaire status, her daughter announced that she was seriously sick on 10 October 2023 and could not pay her medical bill. Per RollingStone, the Instagram story read.

Mary Lou Retton’s children set up a crowdfunding account to help with their mom’s medical expenses. As of 28 October 2024, the family has received $459,354 in donations for Mary, who is now out of hospital and recovering.

Nonetheless, it is important to note that someone’s net worth is not only their earnings but also their investment projects and debts. As such, it is possible for someone to have a $2 million net worth and lack a ton of liquid money to pay for an expensive hospital bill.

How Did Mary Lou Retton Make Money?

Mary Lou Retton’s wealth primarily stemmed from her amazing sporting career, lucrative brand deals, speaking engagements and divorce settlement from her long-time husband, Shannon. 

Below is a breakdown of her revenue-generating channels: Mary Lou Retton’s gymnastics career The ex-athlete took up gymnastics at the age of 8.

Training under Károlyis, she won the American Cup in 1983. In addition, Retton bagged the American Classics in 1983 and, 1983 and 1984. 

Unfortunately, five weeks before the 1984 Summer Olympics, Lou suffered a knee injury and had an operation. But this did not deter her goal, as she scored perfect 10s on vault and floor exercises during the competition.

Mary Lou Retton’s Gymnastics Career

The ex-athlete took up gymnastics at the age of eight. Training under Károlyis, she won the American Cup in 1983. Additionally, Retton bagged the American Classics in 1983 and, 1983 and 1984. 

Unfortunately, five weeks before the 1984 Summer Olympics, Lou suffered a knee injury and had an operation. But this didn’t deter her goal, as she scored perfect 10s on vault and floor exercises during the competition.

This made her the first female gymnast from outside Eastern Europe to win the individual all-around gold. Mary was named Sportswoman of the Year by Sports Illustrated for her stellar performance. She retired in 1986. In 1997, Mary was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

During the 1990s, retired Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton appeared in advertisements for the drug chain Revco. She was the first female sports woman pictured on a Wheaties box, whose sales improved after her appearance. 

In 2019 and 2023, Lou became a spokesperson for Australian Dream and Colonial Penn Life Insurance, respectively.

Television Appearances

Mary has starred in several films and TV shows, including Scrooged (1988), Knots Landing (1992), Baywatch (1993) and An Evening at the Improv (1994). 

In 2018, she competed on season 27 of Dancing with the Stars, finishing ninth place. Mary Lou Retton’s income from the show was reportedly $125,000. 

Divorce Settlement

Retton exchanged nuptials with former football player Shannon Kelley in 1990. They divorced in 2018 after 28 years of marriage. 

According to Celebrity Net Worth, he reportedly paid her $1,950,597 worth of cash and property.

Additionally, Lou received the duo’s 2015 Porsche Panamera.