Mary Lou Retton was the first ever American woman to win a gold medal in all around gymnastics. She is an inspiration to gymnasts across the world. Her achievements don't stop there; she's won many medals across the world and to this day inspires people to stay fit.  Mary Lou Retton is a wife with 4 children who was born January 24, 1968 in Fairmont, West Virginia. She worked hard to be where she is by never giving up and following her dreams, inspiring many along the way.

Mary Lou Retton (http://s11.allstarpics.net/images/orig/f/m/fma3mypi2mykymim.jpg)

Mary Lou Retton is an inspirational gymnast because she won many awards and stuck with her dreams to this day. Her dreams of becoming a gymnast expanded until she was helping herself and others. "Today, Mary Lou is in high demand as a motivational speaker and corporate spokesperson. She also travels the world as a "Fitness Ambassador," promoting the benefits of proper nutrition and regular exercise." (http://www.marylousweigh.com). after retirement, Mary Lou Retton still stays fit and inspires others to stay fit too. It also shows Mary Lou Retton is such an inspirational figure that many people would listen to her and follow her advice. Before she started to help with others' fitness however, she had to start with her own. "Mary Lou Retton catapulted to international fame by winning the All around Gold Medal in Women's Gymnastics at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles - becoming the first American woman ever to win a gold medal in gymnastics. She also won silver medals for Team and Vault. And she won bronze medals for Uneven Bars and Floor Exercise. Her five medals were the most won by any athlete at the'84 Olympics. She is the first American ever to win the Olympic All Around Title. A national sports survey found Mary Lou to be the most popular athlete in America." (http://www.marylousweigh.com). Mary Lou Retton was successful in many gymnastics related things and continued to strive for her goals. Mary Lou Retton never gave up and because of that became who she is today. Mary Lou Retton was an amazing gymnast who teaches people to start small before you go for the gold.

Me

Mary Lou Retton is dedicated because she never gave up on her dreams and continued to strive until she reached where she is today. She didn't appear out of nowhere, Mary Lou Retton took small steps to reach her position. "People who know me understand that I don't believe in quick fixes," (Mary Lou Retton). Mary Lou Retton never gave in when things got too tough. She didn't jump into things, she took small steps. Today, Mary Lou Rettons is teaching others how to take small steps and still get to where they're going."When it comes to weight loss or any goal, what's required is a commonsense plan, proven tools, achievable goals and ongoing motivation. Staying motivated is often the hardest part and it's an area in which I believe I can really help others." (Mary Lou Retton). Mary Lou Retton believes in positive reinforcement. She gives people the time to adjust as they become more fit people. Mary Lou Retton understands how hard it is to start and how rewarding it is to reach the end.

Mary Lou Retton had to train tremendously to make it to where she was and still is today, a hard working, independent, inspirational hero. Mary Lou Retton is a hero because she worked hard, never gave up, and always did her best. She was an amazing gymnast who won many medals in various areas for various events. She still continues to be inspirational by encouraging others through positive reinforcement.  Mary Lou Retton inspires me because she's an amazing gymnast famous for many reasons, and she still makes time to help others and inspire everyone. Mary Lou Retton didn't let anything or anyone get in the way of her dreams, so why should we? What is a hero? A hero is someone who inspires or changes a life in a positive way. Mary Lou Retton is my hero... WHO'S YOURS?