Mary Lou Retton Becomes Team USA’s First Gymnastics Superstar In 1984, Mary Lou Retton became an American icon after winning gold in the all-around at the Los Angeles Games, a feat no female gymnast outside of Eastern Europe had ever accomplished. Her rise to superstardom inspired young girls across the country, ushering in a new era for women's gymnastics in the United States. Watch Retton win gold here. Image Source: Getty / Bettmann / Contributor