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Posted: 3:53 PM Aug 9, 2009
Mary Lou Retton to Move Back to W.Va.
Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton plans to move back home to West Virginia.
Reporter: WSAZ News Staff Email Address: news@wsaz.com |
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26 Comments 
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Twenty-seven years after moving to Houston to train for the Olympics, Mary Lou Retton plans to come home to West Virginia. She and her family will make the move next week to Fairmont.
Retton's husband, Shannon Kelley, will be director of the athletic fund-raising association at Fairmont State University and an assistant coach for Fairmont State.
Retton moved to Texas in 1982 to train with Bela Karolyi at the Karolyi's ranch near New Waverly. Two years later, at the 1984 Olympics, she became the first U.S. woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold medal.
She came home a hero and Democratic Gov. Jay Rockefeller presented her with one year’s use of a Corvette with the license plate “Mary Lou,” the first 7-character license plate in the state’s history.
“I came (to Houston) when I was 14 and have lived my formative years here, and I’ll miss it,” Mrs. Kelley told the Houston Chronicle. “But I’m ready for a small town.”
You can take the girl out of West Virginia, but you cannot take the West Virginia out of the girl.
Retton and her husband have four daughters. Retton's parents and three siblings still live in Fairmont.
Latest Comments
WELCOME BACK, Mary Lou!! I don't remember many Olympic champions, but I remember sitting at my grandma's house and watching that awesome 10 vault. I even bought Wheaties just because you were on the box. You are a truly inspirational person and West Virginian's are honored that you call WV Home. I see a few comments on here from people wanting you to run for office. I don't know what your plans are, but America needs to restore some common sense to the government. Average Joe's are fed up with the Feds. If you think you could help, I would support you.
Whew, what a relief! I've been worried about her safety in the big city for all these years. Now, I can focus my attention on the economy, or jobs, or high utility bills, increased toll charges or taxes, or a number of other concerns that plague West Virginian's.
Welcome back...glad to have you ---you'll be more than welcome to come visit us in Point Pleasant!
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