Mary Lou Retton Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000
Speaking Fee:
$30,000 to $50,000
Travels From:
CRW - Charleston, WV
Travels From:
CRW - Charleston, WV
Primary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Primary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles
Secondary Topic Category:
Sports
Secondary Topic Category:
Sports
Mary Lou Retton Speaker Profile: At A Glance
A gold medalist at the Olympics and a motivational speaker, Mary Lou Retton won big at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She was the first American woman to become an Olympic champion in gymnastics. She continues to inspire people with her speeches on overcoming adversities and achieving excellence. Most recently, Retton has also been sharing her health and fitness advocacy and personal story in recovering from a life-threatening illness.
Mary Lou Retton became an international sensation in 1984 when she won the all-around gold medal in women's gymnastics during the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles—the first victory by an American woman in history. She brought home two other silver and two bronze medals, becoming the athlete with the most medals from the 1984 Olympics. After her stellar performances, Retton became a phenomenon and an American heroic model of superlative athletic performances.Retton goes beyond gymnastics. She has managed to build up an illustrious career as a public speaker who draws crowds with her high-energy motivational talks, often focusing on tenacity, optimum performance, and ways to get over obstacles. Her engaging stories and personal experiences are sure to win any audience's attention—from the corporate platform to the college forum.Besides speaking, Mary Lou Retton has advocated for health and fitness, as she encourages the practice of proper nutrition and regular exercise. Recently, she had to face a significant health challenge. She developed a rare form of pneumonia that left her in intensive care. Retton had all but solidified her standing as one who would inspire others through the power of tenacity and good cheer in the face of adversity, and her legacy in gymnastics and present-day contributions as a speaker and health advocate just pile on more reasons why. She remains one of America's most beloved sports icons and inspirations to many, just as she was—an indomitable spirit of determination and excellence.