Mary Lou Retton police bodycam footage and mugshot released

Former Olympian Mary Lou Retton is shown struggling to find her balance and, at times, to breathe in bodycam footage released Wednesday from her May arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The gymnast and former Dancing With the Stars contestant was in her hometown of Fairmont in Marion County, W.Va., when officers stopped her after receiving a report of someone in a Porsche driving erratically, according to the Associated Press.

In the video, Retton’s arrest proceeded without incident, although she was upset to know that she was headed to jail.

“I’m truly sorry I’m going through this, too,” said the officer, who must have known who she was. “If I could avoid this, I would.”

Retton became a national hero during the 1984 summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where she won five gold, two silver, and two bronze medals for her stunning gymnastics. She scored a perfect 10 on the vault, and she won more medals than any other Olympian that year. More importantly, she became the first American woman to win a gold medal in an individual gymnastics category.

A Wheaties box, a memoir, and more followed.

While everyone in her hometown must recognize her, Retton gave clues to her identity in the video.

When asked to raise one leg in front of her, Retton suggested that she could do it higher than the required six inches. She also brought up the wear and tear on her body when asked if there was any reason she couldn’t keep her hands behind her back after they were cuffed.

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Retton noted that she’d had eight surgeries on her shoulders.

The athlete was strong enough to compete on Dancing With the Stars in 2018, where she was paired with Sasha Farber and placed ninth.

But Retton, who’s 57, was diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia in October 2023. She spent more than a week in the ICU and, according to her daughter, was “fighting for her life.”

Following her arrest, Retton pleaded guilty and paid a $100 fine for her actions, per the AP.

“What happened was completely unacceptable. I make no excuses,” Retton said in a statement given to the outlet. “To my family, friends and my fans: I have let you down, and for that I am deeply sorry. I am determined to learn and grow from this experience, and I am committed to making positive changes in my life. I truly appreciate your concern, encouragement and continued support.”

EW has reached out to representatives for Retton for comment.