Mary Lou Retton, the first American gymnast ever to win an Olympic all-around gold medal back in 1984, was in Branson this week for the Southwest Missouri FCA banquet. The 48 year-old Retton, who is now the mother of four, was known as "America's Sweetheart" when she captured the nation's attention with a powerful performance that belied her 4-foot-9 frame. And to those who remember her amazing accomplishments over three decades ago, the memories she gave to proud Americans brings a smile even today.
Retton appeared at the Chateau on the Lake banquet to give her testimony about a life well-lived. Describing herself as just a coal-miner's daughter from West Virginia, she was the star of the 1984 games and became an instant icon, appearing on every major magazine cover, talk show, and even getting a coveted spot on a Wheaties cereal box, an honor reserved only for sports legends.
As Mary Lou put it, "As a good friend of mine, Michael Jordan, told me….you don't change when you become famous. The people around you do.
In a press conference before her speech at the FCA banquet, I asked her a three-part question to the woman who's met tons of other famous people during her lifetime from presidents to movie stars to popular athletes from other sports.
The questions were….of all the famous people you've met, what was the one moment where you were the most in awe of taking part in?
what was the funniest or most unusual moment you've encountered with one of your fans?
and what was the moment with one of your fans that was the most emotional and heartfelt?
For her answers, see the accompanying video.
