Shyla Rae Kelley, the daughter of the renowned gymnast Mary Lou Retton, is herself a retired and popular gymnast from the United States with a net worth of $8 million. Mary Lou Retton achieved great success in the 1984 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal in the individual all-around competition. Her accomplishments in the Olympics made her a prominent figure in the media.
Notably, Mary Lou Retton was a supporter of the Reagan administration and appeared in numerous television commercials throughout her career. For fans of Mary Lou Retton, this blog will delve into her early life, personal life, and career.
Early Life
Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. Her father was involved in the transportation equipment business in the coal industry. Tragically, Mary Lou was born with hip dysplasia, a condition that worsened during her intensive gymnastics training from a young age. Despite this challenge, her family fully supported her dreams and even moved to provide her with training under highly skilled professionals.
Gymnastics Career
Under the expert guidance of Karolyis, Mary Lou Retton flourished as a gymnast. At the age of 15, she won the American Cup, showcasing her exceptional gymnastic skills. In the same year, she secured the second position in the American Nationals. Unfortunately, a wrist injury prevented her from participating in the World Gymnastics Championships, but she still managed to win the American Classic in 1983 and 1984.
Endorsements
Mary Lou Retton enjoyed considerable success in securing endorsement deals throughout her gymnastics career. Her achievements led to her appearance on the front of a Wheaties box, a prestigious recognition. She also became a spokesperson for the U.S. drug chain, Revco. Additionally, Mary Lou actively participated in TV commercials supporting Ronald Reagan’s presidency, making her a significant supporter of the Reagan administration, often engaging in various political events.
Personal Life
Mary Lou Retton attended The University of Texas in Austin and resided in Houston, Texas, until 2009, when she moved back to West Virginia. She married a real estate developer named Shannon Kelley while in Houston, who was also a former quarterback at the University of Texas. Unfortunately, the couple got divorced in 2018. They have four daughters together: Shyla Rae Kelley, McKenna, Emma, and Skyla.