This Fairmont native made Olympic history in 1984. At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the 16-year-old Retton became the first American woman to win a gold medal in gymnastics. She won the gold in the all-around competition after earning a perfect 10 on the vault. Her five medals made her the biggest American winner at those games. She was named Female Amateur Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press.

Retton became the first woman to star in commercials for Wheaties cereal. She was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Committee Hall of Fame in 1985 and later into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame. In her hometown, a road is named after her: Mary Lou Retton Drive.