In 1984, media sensation Mary Lou Retton became the first American, male or female, to win the gold medal for all-around gymnast.
At 16 years old, Retton also took home two silver and two bronze medals at the Los Angeles Games. Retton had trained with famed Romanian coaches, Béla and Márta Károlvi, who also coach Nadia Comaneci before defecting to the United States.
After winning the gold, Retton, known as America’s sweetheart, was featured in Sports Illustrated, and became the first spokeswoman for Wheaties cereal.
