Mary LouRetton is a retired American gymnast…..who won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games….as well as two silver medals….and two bronze medals…..when her performance made her one of the most popular athletes in the United States.
Retton’s routine on the uneven bars included a move that came to be called “The Retton Flip”….which consisted of a transition (front flip) from low- to high-bar…thus resulting in the gymnast perched or “sitting” on top of the high bar. This move, and many others like it, were removed from the Code of Points of artistic gymnastics due to old-style “belly beat” moves having ceased to be used in bars competitions.
Retton was born with hip dysplasia….which is a condition that her years as a competitive gymnast aggravated…..when after experiencing increased pain from the condition….she underwent hip replacement surgery on her left hip in her middle thirties.
