Introduction
Mary Lou Retton, the iconic Olympic gymnast, has left a lasting legacy in the world of sports. Beyond her incredible athletic achievements, she is also a proud mother of four daughters. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of Mary Lou Retton’s family, her daughters’ ages, and other intriguing facets of her life.
| Name | Mary Lou Retton |
| Nickname(s) | America’s Sweetheart |
| Country represented | United States |
| Date of Birth | January 24, 1968 |
| Age | 55 |
| Place of Birth | Fairmont, West Virginia |
| Height | 4 ft 9 in (145 cm) |
| Weight | 93 lb (42 kg) |
| Discipline | Women’s Artistic Gymnastics |
| Club | Karolyi Gym |
| Former Coaches | Bela Károlyi, Márta Károlyi |
| Retirement Date | September 29, 1986 |
Shayla Kelley – The Eldest
Shayla Kelley, born in April 1995, stands as the oldest among Mary Lou Retton’s four children. At the age of 28, she has carved her path in life, both academically and athletically. Shayla attended Baylor University, where she crossed paths with Wyatt Schrepfer, a football player for the school. Their love story led to marriage, marking a significant chapter in Shayla’s life.
Notably, in January 2020, Shayla, along with her sisters, had the privilege of inducting their mother into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame. This milestone honored Mary Lou Retton as the first woman to receive such recognition. Shayla herself is deeply involved in the fitness world as a competitive bodybuilder, actively participating in NPC Bikini Shows.
McKenna Kelley – The Gymnast
McKenna Kelley, one of Mary Lou Retton’s daughters, has her mother’s gymnastic genes running through her veins. While her mother’s fame in gymnastics is well-documented, McKenna chose a different path in the sport. She gained recognition as an artistic gymnast and became a standout at LSU (Louisiana State University), competing in collegiate gymnastics.
Skyla Kelley – The Artist
Skyla Kelley, another member of Mary Lou Retton’s family, has taken a different route. She is known for her artistic pursuits, showcasing her creativity in various forms. Although she doesn’t share the athletic spotlight with her mother and sisters, her artistic endeavors have carved out a unique place for her in the family.
Emma Kelley – The Youngest
Emma Kelley, the youngest among Mary Lou Retton’s daughters, brings youthful energy to the family. While her future endeavors are yet to unfold, her presence adds vibrancy to this family of strong and accomplished women.
The Retton-Kelley Family Journey
Mary Lou Retton’s journey as a mother and former Olympic champion is intertwined with her ex-husband, Shannon Kelley. Shannon, a former football player for the University of Texas and a real estate professional in Houston, played a significant role in raising their four daughters.
However, the family faced a significant turning point in February 2018 when Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley divorced. Despite this change, Mary Lou Retton’s dedication to her daughters and her role as a mother remains unwavering.
Conclusion
Mary Lou Retton’s story goes beyond her gymnastics prowess. As a mother, she has nurtured four daughters, each carving their unique paths in life. From Shayla’s fitness journey to McKenna’s gymnastic career, Skyla’s artistic pursuits, and Emma’s promising future, the Retton-Kelley family continues to captivate the world with their individuality and strength.
FAQs
1. How many daughters does Mary Lou Retton have?
Mary Lou Retton has four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma.
2. What is the age of Mary Lou Retton’s oldest daughter?
Shayla Kelley, the eldest daughter of Mary Lou Retton, was born in April 1995, making her 28 years old.
3. Did Mary Lou Retton’s daughters follow in her footsteps in gymnastics?
While Mary Lou Retton’s daughters have pursued various interests, not all of them followed her path in gymnastics. McKenna Kelley, however, did compete in collegiate gymnastics at LSU.
4. What is Shayla Kelley’s involvement in the fitness world?
Shayla Kelley is actively involved in the fitness world as a competitive bodybuilder. She participates in NPC Bikini Shows.
5. When did Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley divorce?
Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley divorced in February 2018.
