Mary Lou Retton through the years

Mary Lou Retton in a portrait shot before the 2004 Olympic Games. The American gymnast, who won five medals in the 1984 Summer Games, said she was surprised by the international fame that followed.   (Damon Winter / Los Angeles Times)

Mary Lou Retton had the world doing flips after she won five medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games.   (Steve Powell / Getty Images)

Mary Lou Retton celebrates her score on the balance beam during the 1984 Summer Games, where she became the first American to win an individual gold medal in gymnastics.  (Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press)