Mary Lou Retton is arguably the most recognizable name in USA gymnastics history. She is gymnastics royalty and her story is known, told, and retold by gymnasts everywhere. Now, 30 years after her historic performance, Mary Lou has passed down her gymnastics talents to her daughters and McKenna Kelley is going down a similar but very different path. 

 

It was clear to Retton that her children would take gymnastics classes but it was always up to them how far they would ultimately go in the sport. Retton immediately recognized McKenna’s love for the sport and also noticed their similarities. Besides their physical power, they have similar attitudes that help them excel in the sport.

 

“McKenna is wired the same way I am and I hate to lose!” Retton said. “I’m competitive in everything I do whether it’s racing up the stairs (who gets up first on a flight of stairs) to you can’t play a ping pong game without it being the best out of three in a tournament…. and again, that’s a good quality to have in gymnastics.”

 

In our newest Gymnastike Gold documentary, we take a deeper dive into the unique relationship between Mary Lou and McKenna. The video premieres tomorrow, June 24th and is available to all Gymnastike Gold members. Watch the trailer below: