About Retton

Mary Lou Retton became a star at age 14. But in her book, Gateway's to Happiness, she discusses her life after fame and pinpoints the seven things that brought her happiness. Her seven gateways are:
1. Family
2. Faith
3. Relationships
4. Attitude
5. Discipline
6. Health
7. Laughter

After fame, Retton realized that no gold medal could bring her the happiness she has gained from her family. She is now a motivational speaker and a columnist for USA Today.
Retton  is much more than just a star, she has found the 7 keys to happiness and is sharing her knowledge with people around the world. Even though she dropped out of highschool to train for the Olympics, she still succeeded in life. I admire her courage and bravery. She knew dropping out of school to train could end up being a horrible decision, but she took the risk anyways. The people that influenced her most in her life are her parents, her coach, and her husband. Retton surprised me in her book when I realized how down to Earth she was. She didn't let herself get caught up in the lifestyles of most celebrities. After reading this book, I have a new level of respect for Retton. She has taught me to always value my family and be thankful for every thing I have; even the little things.

Gateway's To Happiness

On August 3, 1984, at the age of 16, Mary Lou Retton became "America's Sweetheart," one of the most recognizable faces in the world. Her Olympic gold medal-winning vault became a defining moment in sports - and the beginning of a career that would transcend gymnastics. Today, Mary Lou is a successful career woman, a wife, and the mother of two young children—and still a celebrity, appearing regularly on network television and in newspapers and magazines, as well as speaking to hundreds of thousands of people every year in public and corporate seminars. In the past two years she has been on the cover of People and Parade, and among athlete/celebrities, her Q rating is exceeded only by Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods.

Now, for listeners everywhere, she shares the lessons she has learned through her athletic, professional, and personal struggles and triumphs. She explains how to set goals, how to stick to a game plan, how to organize resources, and how to cope with the inevitable setbacks and failures. With telling anecdotes from her own career and stories of the famous athletes and celebrities she has known, she tells how to integrate spirituality into every area of life, how to sustain belief in yourself, how to surround yourself with positive people, and how humor can help you reach harmony and contentment. From faith and family to health, confidence, and discipline, from the value of relationships to the role of communication, from the secret of laughter to the importance of confidence, she takes listeners on a personal path to success and happiness.

Family

Mary Lou Retton now has four daughters of her own.

Life After Fame

In 1999, 15 years after her big win, Mary Lou marries Shannon Kelley, a successful investment broker. At this point in her life, She realizes that family is what really matters.

Olympic Gold Medal Winner

Retton dropped out of high school because she wanted to pursue gymnastics. She took a huge risk, but it paid off. She won 2 bronze medals, 2 silver medals, and one gold medal in 1984.

Taking Risks

At 14 years old, Retton left her home in West Virginia to train for the Olympics with world renowned coach, Bela Karolyi.