# Mary Lou Retton

> American gymnast (born 1968)

**Wikidata**: [Q235975](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235975)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Lou_Retton)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mary-lou-retton

## Summary
Mary Lou Retton is an American artistic gymnast born in 1968, best known for winning six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, making her the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history. She is also recognized for her contributions to the sport and her induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

## Biography
- Born: January 24, 1968
- Nationality: United States
- Education: University of Texas at Austin
- Known for: Winning six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics
- Employer(s): University of Texas at Austin
- Field(s): Artistic gymnastics

## Contributions
Mary Lou Retton won six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, including individual all-around, vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise. She also won gold in the team competition. Her achievements made her the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history.

## FAQs
**What medals did Mary Lou Retton win at the 1984 Summer Olympics?**
Mary Lou Retton won six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics, including individual all-around, vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise, as well as gold in the team competition.

**Where did Mary Lou Retton attend college?**
Mary Lou Retton attended the University of Texas at Austin.

**What is Mary Lou Retton known for?**
Mary Lou Retton is known for winning six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics, making her the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history.

**What awards has Mary Lou Retton received?**
Mary Lou Retton has received the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award, the Associated Press Athlete of the Year award, and induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

## Why They Matter
Mary Lou Retton's six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics made her the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history. Her achievements inspired a generation of gymnasts and helped elevate the sport's global profile. Her legacy continues to influence artistic gymnastics, and she remains a symbol of excellence and perseverance in the sport.

## Notable For
- Winning six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics
- Being the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history
- Receiving the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award
- Being inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame
- Attending the University of Texas at Austin

## Body
### Early Life
Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in San Antonio, Texas. She began gymnastics at the age of four and quickly rose through the ranks, training at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

### Olympic Career
At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Mary Lou Retton won six gold medals, including individual all-around, vault, uneven bars, and floor exercise. She also won gold in the team competition, making her the most decorated U.S. gymnast in Olympic history.

### Education
Mary Lou Retton attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied communications. Her education provided her with a well-rounded background while she pursued her gymnastics career.

### Awards and Recognition
Mary Lou Retton has received numerous awards and honors, including the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year award, the Associated Press Athlete of the Year award, and induction into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame.

### Legacy
Mary Lou Retton's achievements have had a lasting impact on artistic gymnastics. Her six gold medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics remain a benchmark for excellence in the sport. She continues to inspire gymnasts and remains a symbol of perseverance and dedication.

## References

1. [Ronnie Retton (2010) - WVU Sports Hall of Fame](https://wvusports.com/honors/wvu-sports-hall-of-fame/ronnie-retton/36)
2. IGHOF athlete database
3. IMDb
4. SNAC
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. FemBio database
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. The Movie Database