That would be really amazing if I found myself a dancer. She also shared additional images of her performance on Twitter, writing, Tiger Nation, thank you!, https://twitter.com/mckennamckelley/status/1119975478130020354. All four of their children have been involved with gymnastics, like their mom, who, at 53, is working in sports once again, managing a new competitive tour. Mary Lou Retton may have been the first American woman to win all-around gold at the Olympics, but her daughter McKenna Kelley says that growing up, she didnt quite understand all that her mother had accomplished. She appeared on a Wheaties box, and became the cereal's first official spokeswoman. When she was 18, Retton retired from professional gymnastics because she "wanted to be remembered as a winner" and not as "some struggling older athlete," per NBC Sports. McKenna, the second of Retton's four daughters with former Texas quarterback Shannon Kelley, started mommy-and-me gymnastics classes at age 2 and rarely left the gym after that. To see Mary Lou Retton's four daughters, read about their accomplishments in the gym, and hear more about her family, read on. I just wanted to be authentic. -- When your mom is Olympic gymnastics superstar Mary Lou Retton and you take up her sport, there are bound to be certain expectations. Next is Skyla Kelley, who's 21 years old and studying at Texas Tech University. The team's last floor routine of the night was a high-octane, floor-pounding performance from McKenna Kelley that earned a score of 9.95, mere hundredths from the coveted perfect 10. "My role is to love them no matter what, have that shoulder for them to cry on if they're hurt or frustrated," she explained to Parade. Mary Lou Retton's daughter: 'She's always been Mom to me' - Times Union Retton and her husband live in Houston, far removed from the time when she captured the heart of a nation and graced the cover of the Wheaties box. 2 hours ago, by Sarah Wasilak Mary Lou Retton - Bio, Net Worth, Height | Famous Births Deaths ** FILE ** Mary Lou Retton is shown during her perfect performance in the floor exercise in the Olympic individual all-around finals of the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Calif., in this Aug. 3, 1984 photo. LSU finished second at the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships on Saturday, its fourth second-place finish since 2014, behind champions Oklahoma and ahead of third-place finishers UCLA. Gosh it brings it all back!!! 1,325 following. Retton was born with hip dysplasia, a condition that her years as a competitive gymnast aggravated. Advertisement "I'm on a really good path, and I'm happy with my life," Retton told People in 2018. We believe that every person's story is important as it provides our community with an opportunity to feel a sense of belonging, share their hopes and dreams. See Her Now. Three stuck with it, one was a cheerleader. One gold, two silver and two bronze. Mary Lou Retton is a legendary gymnast who is best known for winning a gold medal in the Olympic all-around at the 1984 summer Olympics in Los Angeles. That really was my final routine, she shared, referring to her near-perfect floor routine, which led her team to an overall second-place victory. You dont want to get hurt or anything!'. After nearly 30 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2018, but they still share their four daughters: Shayla Kelley, McKenna Kelley, Skyla Kelley, and Emma Kelley. McKenna Kelley - LSU Gymnast Mary Lou Retton made history at the 1984 Summer Olympics when she became the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal. Shayla didn't continue tumbling after college, however. The teenage beauty was pictured wearing the traditional graduation attire a navy blue graduation gown with oversized sleeves and cap. Nadia Comneci Scored a Perfect 10 at the Olympics 45 Years Ago. "My goal was to come to Houston because the Karolyis were going to give me my best shot at making the Olympic team," Retton said. Happy Monday! she wrote in the caption alongside several happy face emojis. Kelley is a senior at LSU, which means this may have been her last performance with the team. She then decided to move to Houston, Texas, to train under Romanians Bla and Mrta Krolyi, who had coached Nadia Comneci before their defection to the United States. View this post on Instagram. [23], In 1997, Retton was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. Kelley also retweeted this video of her emotional reaction at the end of her performance. "Those kids keep me hopping," she said. } ); She also scored a perfect 10 on a floor exercise at a meet against Oregon State University. See Her Now. For some fans in attendance, watching Kelley's mom cheer on her performance brought back heartwarming memories of those Olympic games. In her senior year, she scored a 9.8875 in the vault competition at the NCAA Team Finals. See Her Now. See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. "You go back to Nastia in 2008. This move, and many others like it, were removed from the Code of Points of artistic gymnastics due to old-style "belly beat" moves having ceased to be used in bars competitions. At the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, she won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition, as well as two silver medals and two bronze medals. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { But McKenna Kelley, who exhibits the . RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. by Njera Perkins . McKenna Kelley anchors the 2019 NCAA Gymnastics Championships! She was in tears as she watched her daughter and her team receive their trophy. In the clip, she can be seen holding her hands to her heart and blowing a kiss to the audience: Pretty sure we are all McKenna today. All Rights Reserved. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. I'm gonna sit down like most of the other parents and just clap when you go and be quiet and civilized.' Cranston Street Armory warming station to be phased out in April She won gold, 2x Bronze, and 2x Silver medals at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. 1984 Olympic Gymnastics all-around champion, President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017, List of Olympic female gymnasts for the United States, List of Olympic medal leaders in women's gymnastics, "Mary Lou RETTON - Olympic Gymnastics Artistic - United States of America", "Amazing Moments in Olympic History- Mary Lou Retton", "Biography of Mary Lou Retton, Olympic Gymnastics Champion", "Boston.com Local Search Boston Globe Archives", "Doing it her way: Mary Lou Retton teaches healthy attitudes to her kids and, now, the rest of us", "HBU Huskies Football Names Shannon Kelley Offensive Assistant Coach", "Mary Lou Retton Divorces Husband Shannon Kelley After 27 Years of Marriage: 'I Felt Very Alone', "Mary Lou beams after sticking her vault to capture the all", "Mary Lou Retton Reflects On 1985 American Cup Win, Retirement Decision", "Election 2004: Republican Convention Schedule and Viewer's Guide", "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement", Retton, Hammill most popular American athletes, "Houston Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2020 - HCHSA | Harris County Houston Sports Authority", "For Retton, the Gold Still Glitters;Pressure, Time and Change Mature '84 Olympic Gymnastics Champion", "Prowess alone won't get an athlete on Wheaties", "Text - S.534 - 115th Congress (2017-2018): Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act of 2017", "Facing Congress, Some Sports Officials (Not All) Begin to Confront Sexual Abuse", "Mary Lou Retton. Mary Lou Retton wrote "Gateways to Happiness" to share her philosophy about success and life. This is a carousel. Show More Posts from marylouretton. Gymnast Carly Patterson Won Olympic Gold 17 Years Ago. At 26 years old, Shayla is Retton's eldest daughter. I wanted to tell people why., I knew I wanted to do it in a classy way, she continues. That sucked all the calcium out of me," she said, laughing. What a way to close the night. Kelley only began pursuing elite gymnastics five years ago at the age of 17, Today previously reported. McKenna Kelley, left, and her mom, Mary Lou Retton, at the 1984 Summer Olympics. HOUCHRON CAPTION (07/31/2001): Mary Lou Retton talks to actress Alicia Church, who plays "Jumpy," on the set of "Mary Lou's Flip Flop Shop" at KUHT studios. Her path was different than mine and Im so proud of everything.. She attended Fairmont Senior High School, but did not graduate. Retton's daughter McKenna Kelley followed in her mother's footsteps, competing in gymnastics for Louisiana State University in 2019. All four of my children were born here, and my husband is from here. Brianne Tracy is a staff writer on the PEOPLE music team. But 30 years ago, the equipment we worked on wasn't so forgiving. Though Retton missed the World Gymnastics Championships in 1983 due to a wrist injury, she won the American Classic in 1983 and 1984, as well as Japan's Chunichi Cup in 1983. (She shared the title with Mackenzie Brannan.) Im on a really good path, and Im happy with my life, Retton, 50, tells PEOPLE exclusively. Retton was thrust back into the spotlight when the USA Gymnastics sex abuse scandal hit the news in 2016. Now live in Houston with her husband and their four kids. The couple has four daughters together Shayla, 23, McKenna, 21, Skyla, 18, and Emma, 16 and she explained that she was very thankful for her kids, as they love her unconditionally. 1 day ago. A post shared by Mary Lou Retton (@marylouretton) } Im really excited for what this new chapter is going to bring instead of being that scared person that I was a couple of months ago. Meanwhile, Kelley also later celebrated her second place spot on Instagram, sharing the below photo: Last night, I learned that winning isnt everything; that I dont need a 1st place win to know that I have already won, she wrote in the caption, going on to thank the school, the team and her coaches and other supporters. In the backyard play area Mary Lou with her four daughters Shayla,9 McKenna,7 Skyla,4 and Emma,2 Mary Lou Retton a member of the 1984 Olympic gymnastics team won five metals in LA. Now, her daughter McKenna Kelley is following in her footsteps, as she just performed a near-perfect routine at the NCAA championships on Sunday as her proud . She retired from gymnastics after graduating college, but McKenna is still involved with the sport in her own way. Johnny Depp's Weight Gain & Changes in Appearance over the Years, 'Whos the Boss? Associate Editor, Human Interest - PEOPLE. Ronnie and Lois Retton are her parents. Mary Lou Retton's Daughter Nails Floor At NCAAs - Simplemost and I LOVE it!!. Mary Lou Retton celebrates her gold in the all-around at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. [2] Her performance made her one of the most popular athletes in the United States. She also posts frequently about her mom and dad. With a famous mom like Olympic gymnastics superstar Mary Lou Retton, there must be some pressure for her daughter, McKenna Kelley, to take up the mantle of gymnastics greatness. One gold, two silver and two bronze. A women's gymnastics competition tour open to USA Gymnastics, NGA, & AAU levels 1-10 and Xcel divisions. Are ticket costs pricing Houston Astros fans out of Opening Day? Houston pitmaster goes viral after hilarious TV interview, Astros GM Dana Brown has more praise team's top prospect, Principal fired for reading 'I Need a New Butt!' As Kelley took her final bow after her stellar performance, the crowd went wild. Retton could be spotted in the stands blowing kisses and holding up 10 fingers for a perfect 10. Columbia College is not Columbia University! Mary Lou Retton Mary Lou Retton's official Instagram. "I just want them to know that I'm proud of them no matter what, whether they're gymnasts or not, just because they're human.". But she and her siblings were never forced to continue doing it if they didn't want to, which McKenna noted to Tiger Rag, an LSU magazine. See Her Now. When Louisiana State University gymnast McKenna Kelley nailed the final floor routine of the night at the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships on Saturday, no one was prouder than her mom, Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton. ")[7] Her father, Ronnie, operated a coal-industry transportation equipment business. She posts videos about her daily life, which often feature her siblings and husband, Wyatt Schrepfer, who also studied at Baylor University. In fact, in 2016, Retton told ESPN she'd once vowed to Kelley, whose dad is Retton's husband, Shannon Kelley, that she'd try to tone it down. You may have spotted, in the crowd there, Kelleys mom, cheering along with everyone else. Mary Lou Retton's daughter blazes new trail - ESPN.com Fast-forward today, and that's all you see because that is how the sport has evolved to benefit powerful, athletic gymnasts. "She's a hollerer, for sure." Olympic Gymnast Mary Lou Retton Cheers on Daughter at NCAA Womens Gymnastics Championships. Retton, 51, looked proud as could be of her daughter as she watched her perform in video captured from the Texas event. book to class, Turner: TEA is giving Houston ISD two optionsclose school or be taken over, Two ocelots were photographed crossing a road in rare South Texas sighting, Willie Nelson's new album is a lovely tribute to a fellow country legend. She scored a total of 79.175 to take the gold medal in individual all around competition. I really commend her, LSU coach D-D Breaux told The Times-Picayune of Kelley. He joined the Houston Chronicle in 1990 after stints at the Dallas bureau of United Press International (1984-90), the Waco Tribune-Herald (1978-84) and the Tyler Morning Telegraph (1975-78). Im pretty beat up, she says. Among them, a bona fide gymnastics icon: Kelley's mom, Mary Lou Retton, the first American woman to win an Olympic all-around gold, who was flashing perfect-10 fingers, blowing kisses to Kelley, and getting tearful as she watched her daughter's team take home the runner-up trophy. Now, Retton is back home in Texas with her family and taking time to rest after dealing with some DWTS-related injuries. 08/11/2004 (E. Joe Deering/Chronicle). Retton won two international events in 1983 and entered the Olympic year, with the Soviets boycotting the Games in Los Angeles, picked to win the all-around silver medal behind Ecaterina Szabo of Romania. Retton is executive producer and star of the show, a series for under-6 set. By Uplifting Today / April 24, 2019. Mary Lou Retton on Instagram: "Having so much fun with this young lady Advertisement Retton was every bit the proud mama when she decided to share a picture of herself and her beautiful daughter. The couple got married in January 2020. [2] Her performance made her one of the most popular athletes in the United States. She does have the option of returning as a fifth-year senior, however. "Her voice is so distinct, and I can always hear it in the crowd," she told ESPN. Retton is credited as the first American female gymnast to win gold in the all-around competition at the Olympics. Shes worked really hard to come back from a serious injury, did two events and was ready to do beam tonight. [19][20], Retton was elected to the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. She's Mom to me, just like anyone else's mom." Kelley, 22, is one of Retton's four daughters (McKenna was the second), all of whom did or still do gymnastics. Olympian Mary Lou Retton, daughter bring invitational to Providence Mary Lou Retton cheers gymnast McKenna Kelley at NCAA finals - TODAY.com if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { 07/25/2001 - Mary Lou Retton relaxes while talking to actress Alicia Church (who plays 'Jumpy') on the set The Flip Flop Shop at KUHT studios on 7-25-01. Retton won the gold medal in the event. Unlike her older sisters, Skyla isn't involved in collegiate gymnastics. 55 minutes ago, by Eden Arielle Gordon The tour benefits The McKenna Kelly Foundation, which donates to non-profits focusing on mental health. [18], In 1985, she received the Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement presented by Awards Council member General Chuck Yeager. Mary Lou Retton's Daughter Performs Near-Perfect Routine At NCAA Women "I will pick and choose some appearances, but I need to take care of these kids and support them and love them. My last thought to you was, Remember this. My words were, remember this, baby girl. How Many Kids Do Ben and Erin Napier Have? McKenna Kelley, Marylou Retton's daughter, performing her floor routine Houston Baptist University football program. Though Retton would have liked to stay longer in the competition, shes excited to go back to set in two weeks for the finale and plans on keeping in touch with her pro-dancing partner Sasha Farber. Registered gymnasts will receive a custom GK leotard. Retton burst onto the international gymnastics scene at a time the balletic grace of the dominant Soviet Union team was the standard, packing the power and leg drive of a mini-Earl Campbell in a 4-foot-9, 95-pound package. 403 N 3rd St, Richmond , VA 23219. Emma's graduation is one that Rettons fans will look forward to, but for now, they have Skylas to ooh and aah over. It was just to say it in a way that I felt would let people know what Im going through but yet still do it with loving words.. She also posts frequently about her mom and dad. After 1984 fame, Mary Lou Retton made Houston home - Chron Kerri Strug's Heroic Vault Was 25 Years Ago. Retton brings name recognition. RELATED:Gymnast Carly Patterson Won Olympic Gold 17 Years Ago. It was an especially astonishing return to the top for Kelley, who sat out her junior year because of a torn Achilles tendon. Mary's father was also a former collegiate basketball player. She joined the crowd in repeatedly chanting "10" while flashing both. Mary Lou Retton cheers gymnast daughter's near-perfect routine When McKenna Kelley nailed her floor routine at the NCAA Women's Gymnastics Championships, no one was prouder than her mom,. The retired Olympic gold-medal-winning gymnast revealed her split from her husband of 27 years publicly for the. Are insane ticket costs pricing Astros fans out of Opening Day? A women's gymnastics competition tour open to USA Gymnastics, NGA, & AAU levels 1-10 and Xcel divisions. [6] (The original family name was "Rotunda. Team USA Gymnast Earns First Olympic Medal in Floor Final at Tokyo Olympics, Mary Lou Retton Divorces Husband Shannon Kelley After 27 Years of Marriage: 'I Felt Very Alone', Simone Biles Suddenly Exits Women's Team Event but Says She's 'OK' and May Be Back for Other Finals, Aly Raisman, Laurie Hernandez and More Gymnasts React to Simone Biles Bowing Out of Team Final, This UCLA Gymnast Earned a Perfect 10 for Her Epic Floor Routine Watch Her Flip Around the Mat, Sunisa Lee 'Didn't Even Think' She Could Win Gold in Gymnastics All-Around: 'It Was So Emotional', first American woman to win all-around gold at the Olympics, only began pursuing elite gymnastics five years ago, cheer her daughter on at the NCAA championships. Proposed Texas bill gives tax cuts to heterosexual families only, These bites won big at the Houston rodeo's foodie awards, Heres how you can watch 'Daisy Jones and the Six', Here's what Lina Hidalgo carb-loads before a long run, Houston police ticket man for feeding homeless people. She posts videos about her daily life, which often feature her siblings and husband, Wyatt Schrepfer, who also studied at Baylor University. It's a small town in a big city and such a sports town where everybody supports each other.". Retton is executive producer and star of the show, a series for under-6 set. There will be no immediate honeymoon for Mary Lou Retton, a gold medal .