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Mary Lou Retton, often referred to as America's "Sweetheart" (a term of endearment; a word used to show affection and love for someone), is an American "gymnast" (someone involved in the sport of gymnastics, a sport with different exercises showing one's ability to move quickly, easily, and with power and coordination). She participated in the 1984 Summer Olympics, where she became the first American to win the "all-around" (overall; involving all events) "gold" (first place) "medal" (award). She also won two "silver" (second place) medals and a "bronze" (third place) medal at the same Summer Olympics.

These successes made her one of the most popular American athletes. She received many "endorsement deals" (agreements in which athletes or other celebrities receive money in exchange for promoting particular products) and she was the first woman "featured" (pictured; shown) on a "Wheaties box" (a brand of breakfast cereal that became well known for using photos of athletes in its advertisements). She was named the 1984 Sports Illustrated Woman of the Year, and in 1990 she was named one of the top ten "most admired" (liked by many people) "public figures" (people who are well known).

Since the Olympics, Mary Lou Retton has remained active and has tried to encourage young people to "stay fit" (remain healthy). She was the "star" (lead actor) of a television program called Mary Lou's Flip Flop Shop, which encouraged children to be active. She was also a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and she travels as a "motivational speaker" (someone who gives paid speeches to encourage others), particularly to promote the benefits of good "nutrition" (the healthfulness of what one eats) and exercise.