Mary Lou Retton's Perfect 10 Floor Routine! | Music Monday

[@Olympics]

Are you missing your favorite Olympic performance to music? Just let us know in the comments and we will add them to a future #MusicMonday!

[@alphanimtheskykid]

I think my favourite was the Welcome to the World performance from the Atlanta 1996 Opening Ceremony.

[@juliapalxminx]

Katsiaryna Halkina's ribbon at Rio 2016 please!

[@fijiwater777]

Andreea Isarescu 2000 Sydney floor !!

[@으어으어-e1o]

Gabriella papadakis & Guillaume Cizeron FD at Pyeongchang Plz

[@shaman9628]

Didn't she do a floor routine to Van Halen Jump?

[@janesullivan8997]

She put USA Women’s Gymnastics on the Olympic map in a sport that was dominated by the Russians, Chinese and Romanians. It was so fun to watch her! She made me proud of being an American.

[@Kopie0830]

She's built like our average brit girl in the fields 😅 cheers to you mates! 😅

[@tc_0766]

The Russians weren’t at this Olympics lol if they were she wouldn’t of won

[@porflepopnecker4376]

@@tc_0766 Tough luck for the Russians, lol. Guess they'll always make that excuse.

[@WeezyJeffersonYo]

80s kid here!! I remember this like it was yesterday.

[@djg5775]

It was lovely to see her actually dance in time to the music it seems like nowadays they just have music on in the background but it has nothing to do with their actions on the floor

[@jpsned]

I remember Olga Korbut's floor routine in 1972 was also timed up to the music.

[@amyshannon8718]

I think the issue is they try to stuff so much technical in the routines they don't have time to do the "art" part of artistic gymnastics.

[@CharlotteFurnessWriter]

I don't know... Laurie Hernandez's routine at Rio was incredible and danced to the music

[@tlcc4886]

Simone Biles' floor routine at the Paris Olympics was timed perfectly to the music. I agree it's great to see that type of choreography make its way back into the sport!

[@nanamifan0220]

@@CharlotteFurnessWriterYESSSS i think of her and aliya’s routines so often. so perfect.

[@ermagerdmuffins]

I'm watching this 40 years later, and even now I get so emotional when she lands that first run and flicks her hands up.

[@jm7804]

The technical elements are not on par with the best in the sport now, but still such great fun to watch in any year.

[@C.L.190]

I feel the exact same way when I watch Dominique Moceanu's 1996 Olympics floor routine... And Keri Strug's vault

[@kataisa3]

Mary Lou was a powerhouse! She was exciting to watch, and had the best smile and personality. 🩷

[@marksnexus]

Prayers for Mary Lou and her family. A true Houston legend ❤

[@dyan1965]

She was from Fairmont, WVA, and she moved to Houston.

[@kris78787]

She was amazing! She had power tumbling mixed with grace and artistry. These were the days!!

[@michellegordon4211]

All of her movements were so crisp and snappy. Loved it.

[@laurirobinson8346]

Loved this era of gymnastics. The choreo and musicality is everything. I wish it was required now

[@robynzelickson6164]

Supposedly they have 'choreo' or 'dance' elements now. When you compare the modern routines to ones like this from back in the day, these are far superior. Ok the skills are technically superior but adding the dancey parts in between, actually using the music, adds so much.

[@humblebeans5511]

@@robynzelickson6164they’re athletes not entertainers. Notice how mens floor routines dont even have music? Be grateful dance has remained in women’s gymnastics at all.

[@micheleh5269]

Yes I don't understand it. Skatng still has artistry

[@patrickmaruniak5987]

​@humblebeans5511 I I never didn't understand why men's floor exercises don't have music.

[@MajesticalHonky]

@@patrickmaruniak5987 Because they're not dancers. 🙄

[@pen527]

2:19 That "Yes" said it all! All those years of training paying off.

[@shannonwendover5990]

I watched her in 1984 in my living room. I was 14 & these performances of her made me smile with so much pride & I cried I was so proud of her. I'm 53 now & the smile & tears still come as I re-watch these performances. I am so glad she's home after her illness. She's been in my prayers 🙏 & I love her & will always be a fan ❤

[@ColinJohnston-c4u]

You must have an enormous living room!! 😉

[@teribaker5833]

My dear friend’s sister was in gymnastics lessons with Mary Lou when they were kids. Can you imagine? Lol, it’s like no matter what you do, you’ll never be the best kid in the class. We’re very proud of her here in WV. I too like watching some of these amazing moments regularly. My latest fix is Katelyn Ohashi’s floor routine…it’s stunning. 🩷👍

[@teribaker5833]

In fact, I just drove through Fairmont today! I was only a mile or so from Mary Lou Retton Way!

[@JGComments]

Putting the artistic in artistic gymnastics. I know everything is much harder today, but the 80s and 90s will always be the golden era of gymnastics for me.

[@kimkuczynski6443]

I miss the beautiful beam routines.

[@GrammarPolice16666]

70s was also the golden era. These were the times where girls didn’t start to bulk up and was still able to do crazy and life risk stunts.

[@jcortese3300]

This kid was amazing. I remember her vaults. She stuck her landings like a lawn dart.

[@alirae1071]

'Gal'

[@wendyokoopa7048]

@@DaveS-pq4jf I miss lawn darts. Gen z could've had some fun with them

[@casimirodasilvasantoshe-hi5797]

Agree I would have loved to see her against Yurtchenko and Mostepanova. Sadly the Soviets did not attend. Would have been the war of the Titans.

[@mikehunter1483]

*woman

[@TRUTHISABSOLUTE777]

Ya the chick was awesome I was cheering like crazy

[@tanishaparamba5806]

Also that "yes" at the end was so heartwarming👍👍

[@india1422]

One of the few routines where the choreography actually goes with the music

[@adde9506]

It was nice to see. I really can't understand why it's so hard to make the dance part have anything at all to do with the music.

[@sahpire75]

100!

[@robynzelickson6164]

@@adde9506 me either, except some people don't think it matters I guess. It just makes such a big difference

[@damon9853]

I know what you mean. Many people would probably miss that. I like how she even did the air piano move while in the corner before her last tumble.

[@miroslavamenhertova2347]

To sú tie detaily, ktoré tvoria celok - tréner Béla Károlyi, choreograf Gejza Poszár ( emigrovali z Rumunska - tréneri N. Comaneci )

[@bananabread2833]

I remember her megawatt smile. She was terrific!

[@letsbereal9455]

Is terrace still. :D

[@calvinoleg4107]

I remember her megawatt legs.Then in 1984 I had never seen a 16 year girl with such muscleloaded thighs and steely calves.

[@ColinJohnston-c4u]

Shared this with my youngest daughter & told her this was our generation's Simone Biles. She was incredible to watch!

[@Rue100]

NO ONE COMPARES TO THE GREATEST GYMNAST EVERRRRRRR MS. SIMONE BILES NO ONE.😊

[@CoyleTools]

@@Rue100 I wouldn't be so quick to heap praise on someone who quit on her team in the Olympics. Kerri Strug is someone worth admiring.

[@ColinJohnston-c4u]

@@Rue100 That's true. At the time, she was it though.

[@mamawarrior7036]

Yes and no- Mary Lou wasn’t slathered with makeup/fake eyelashes/ wearing a blinged out leotard and being spokesperson for Big Pharma like Simone.

[@mrsheatherteske]

So true, I thought of her a lot this year watching gymnastics.

[@justhath]

Prayers for ML Retton! 🙏🏻. A legend!

[@trendymaths2467]

She ran so fast OMG. Love her.

[@SweetSirenia]

Their tumbling passes were much more compact back then due to fewer elements, so they had more room to run and gain speed. We'll probably never see that again!

[@calvinoleg4107]

And jumped sooo high! What a phenomenal power must have been in her fearsomely muscular thighs.

[@carolinegoss856]

Love the artistry of this routine: a combination of ballet, done beautifully, and gymnastics.

[@beatrizmacias637]

Tiene la gracia y elegancia de Nadia Nadia comaneci me la recuerda Esta niña es perfecta

[@maddie8415]

I'm seeing comments saying that there's "no artistry". Please, people! It might not be my preferred aesthetic (I'm from a ballet background and I think that's the style these people are looking for) but she's amazing from an artistic standpoint, even if it's not your cup of tea.

[@maddie8415]

@Book E People are saying this THIS VIDEO has no artistry. That's what my comment was about. I really think she's pretty interactive and connecting with the audience ;)

[@maddie8415]

@Book E Agreed! That's what I was saying!

[@ce9345]

She has the greatest smile of any gymnast!

[@christineobrien7707]

If only Nadia smiled like MaryLou when she received her 7 medals

[@MearasRex]

Peggy Fleming, Dorothy Hamill, Nadia and Mary Lou - most of the girls I knew wanted to be ice skaters or gymnasts because of those ladies. So much gratitude and respect for their talent. ❤️

[@Sergigrinkovvolponyfan]

And Katia and Sergi.

[@freddyfredrickson]

I started watching this and I was like, I remember watching that... Then I saw, "1984" on the sign and I felt old.

[@tammiea8552]

Omg this is from '84?? You're not the only one who feels old.

[@luvspurple1969]

EXACTLY the same!!!!!😂

[@GiftSparks]

Me too!

[@highstimulation2497]

remember when we didn't use the word "like" like this? those were the days! (actually, I don't know when it's from, but with a copy-editor father and librarian mother, part of me cringes every time I hear it, even though I say it too...)

[@steelhurricane4041]

Lol

[@classicaldeb]

That winning smile, and effervescent personality!

[@Jammy75]

She’s also a very nice lady, today! 👍

[@tanishaparamba5806]

Wow, its so different from the current performances!! A nice change

[@juliettownsend2849]

@Sahara Alwis It was noticed when certain athletes pushed in this conservative sport to be a little edgy. We loved her for it then!

[@ccaro4003]

Love this. This is my age and time. GenX discovered the Olympics with Mary Lou Retton and way before scoring got complicated.

[@krr74]

Yea we don't have 10s anymore? When did that change??

[@kellyammons4219]

Floor had Spring boards

[@windwhipped5]

Ahhh..yea i was 17 and stared at the wheaties box during breakfast..😳

[@michaelhoward5786]

​@@krr74 2006

[@ChrisJones-ij3xp]

​@@windwhipped5 Me too. She and I were a year apart, and I had such a crush on her. The front of the box had to be turned my way in the morning.

[@juliefuraitor5610]

The 1st female athlete to ever appear on a Wheaties cereal box! “The Breakfast of Champions”.

[@KingoftheJuice18]

You know, it's amazing it took that long!

[@stephaniejohnson943]

Yess Mary Lou Retton was a Beast back in the day.🤗🏅🥇💯

[@douglasbradford9007]

Put biles on cocoa puffs maybe

[@KingoftheJuice18]

@@douglasbradford9007 You should be ashamed of yourself: Wikipedia Simone Arianne Biles (born March 14, 1997) is an American artistic gymnast. With a combined total of 32 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is tied with Larisa Latynina as the most decorated gymnast of all time. Biles' seven Olympic medals also ties Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medals won by an American female gymnast. Biles is considered one of the greatest and most dominant gymnasts of all time. At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Biles won individual gold medals in the all-around, vault, and floor; bronze on balance beam; and gold as part of the United States team, dubbed the "Final Five". At the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, she won bronze on balance beam, as well as silver with the United States team, after struggling with a mental health issue throughout the Games. Biles is also a five-time World all-around champion (2013-2015, 2018-2019), five-time World floor exercise champion (2013-2015, 2018-2019), three-time World balance beam champion (2014-2015, 2019), two-time World vault champion (2018-2019), a seven-time United States national all-around champion (2013-2016, 2018-2019, 2021), and a member of the gold medal-winning American teams at the 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Additionally, she is a three-time World silver medalist (2013 and 2014 on vault, 2018 on uneven bars) and a three-time World bronze medalist (2015 on vault, 2013 and 2018 on balance beam). Biles is the gymnast with the most World medals (25) and most World gold medals (19), having surpassed Vitaly Scherbo's record 23 World medals by winning her 24th and 25th, both gold, at the 2019 competition in Stuttgart. She is the female gymnast with the most World all-around titles (5). Biles is the sixth woman to win an individual all-around title at both the World Championships and the Olympics, and the first gymnast since Lilia Podkopayeva in 1996 to hold both titles simultaneously. She is the tenth female gymnast and first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every event, and the first female gymnast since Daniela Silivaș in 1988 to win a medal on every event at a single Olympic Games or World Championships, having accomplished this feat at the 2018 World Championships in Doha.

[@andromeda2531]

I remember those days , I don’t know why I use to confuse her with Kerry Strug?! 😆

[@mickeyandres2651]

How could she think we’d see her as a washed up athlete? You never forget those who gave us so much to remember my dear, you are unforgettable. 😘🇨🇦

[@MajesticalHonky]

She's a grifter.

[@bettykat8483]

@@MajesticalHonky How so?

[@dwhitman3092]

​@@MajesticalHonky Takes one to know one.

[@MajesticalHonky]

@@dwhitman3092 Oh, wow. What a witty response. 😆

[@shelleyplemons1362]

She had everything perfect her hair, her personality on and off the floor, her smile, her height, Her perfection on every move! A true 10 in every way!

[@rodrigoalberto4171]

One of the first female gymnasts to perform the double layout on floor👏👏👏

[@amandiepannell786]

My idol growing up in the 80's!! I think this is a name I will never forget!!

[@shelbycooper0608]

That first flip is insane!

[@melissahouse3488]

The height, INCREDIBLE!!!! I've watched many, of course Nadia, but I think the height this girl Mary Lou is achieving is truly Amazing, to get that high, I see why she won!! 💖

[@suzanneseager95]

They had the same coach as well

[@tminus21]

this is the most entertaining floor routine i have ever watched ever

[@pkosb2401]

I was 14 when I watched this. WOW! She earned that 10!!! Amazing athlete! 💟🖒🖒🕊

[@sunshines9504]

She left such an amazing feel in us as children way back while watching this.simply fabulous and inspiring !

[@blondetigress431]

I swear to God.! She is one of the most cutest girls ever!!!!! She totally deserved this. Such grace. Such charm. I love her!

[@rubipotter1980]

Agreed. Her face resembles princess Diana.

[@beautifuljewishgirl8050]

@@rubipotter1980 LOL. That’s kind of true. It makes me sad though because I’ve watched the history of Diana, since I wasn’t born then and I simply love her and hate Prince Charles.

[@adrianops7]

I watch A LOT of gymnastics, and Ive never seen anyone running with that speed, not a perfect routine for a 10, but definitely glorious!

[@Marketoromagnolo]

well this floor routine was so incredible hard for times, it would have scored 10 until 92 olympics.

[@Katelovesanimalsmost2134]

I was thinking the same thing! Her run for her passes were Incredibly fast and powerful ! Maybe a 9.9

[@mauriziotaiariol4865]

Anche secondo me non è perfetta da 10 ma siamo in America e c'era anche un motivo politico per quel voto.

[@maggietheprincesscastle9776]

There were definitely a few errors here and there , but I really didn’t know the context. Thought her level of difficulty had already been surpassed by then

[@metsdudenj]

I was a judge in the 1983-1992 period. The 10 was used also to RANK gymnasts. The "perfect 10" of Nadia denoted perfection, but also later on was used a ranking factor for gymnasts. If a gymnast with form breaks and poor landings ( like Szabo) was given a 9.9 or 9.95, this routine was so far superior in difficulty that it has to be given a 10, especially when half tenth scoring did not start until 1985.

[@JoyfulCat24]

I’m so happy to see this again. She was an absolute powerhouse! Plus, so much grace and artistry along with it.

[@yvettejones5323]

I've watched this routine multiple times and it still make me shout WOW! and makes my jaw drop when she does her combinations across the floor. She had insane power and energy across the floor, absolutely flew through the air and stuck her landings like with perfection. I love watching this routine.

[@letsdothis3332]

She started a new style of gymnasts, super muscular and powerful.

[@Broken_Cracka]

I have autism and in the 1980’s, I had a lot of apathy and indifference to almost everything. My parents HATED it. “You don’t care about ANYTHING”. I was 15 in 1984 and when this floor routine came on, I remember being on the couch and just crying. Hard. It kinda weirded me out and my family didn’t know how to handle it. I had never experienced that much emotion at that time. It was a great moment.

[@brendaannedufaur6244]

I love the music and the routine isn't cookie cutter and she has musicality and a flare for performing the choreography.

[@RspbyLmn]

Like she was beating the Russians at their own game. In 1984 that routine said, "Bring it".

[@sdavis5001]

“C’mon…….YES!!” 1️⃣0️⃣ She’s so cute, she waited just a second before celebrating; she saw it and once the crowd went wild, she jumped. Amazing little girl back then. In the individual all around her last tumbling run had a different ending to it. She didn’t hop forward; I suppose that was looked at as part of her routine, I thought it was a hop, moreso after seeing the IAA, but what do I know. She was my favorite & always will be 😊 little button

[@hawlikd]

I wish for the best for Mary Lue Retton. In light of her recent medical problems in Jan 2024.

[@lorilesage8088]

The powers she had!!!! I’ll always remember watching her.

[@stevedaly3421]

83 Thumbs Down from people who couldn't jump over a coat hanger lying flat on the floor. Amazing routine Mary Lou. Amazing then, and just as amazing today.

[@lynns7262]

People who give a thumbs down should be required to explain why. Why a thumbs down for this?

[@annaverano5843]

The 83 thumbs down are from simone Biles fans who absolutely hate seeing a white woman succeed in any sporting event.

[@sioux4ever220]

She is amazing and very pretty!

[@jarrodbarkley9061]

They're from Russians who boycotted the games.

[@antieulogygirl]

@@annaverano5843 weirdo

[@kristannestone1748]

I really miss the choreography from those days. The skills today are out of this world, but the artistry isn't great.

[@thekanadiangirl]

Def should NOT be called artistic gymnastics anymore!

[@MartinisnOlives]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Lon.BedStuyforLife]

I feel the same... It's now all about how perfectly each element is performed, which leaves very little room for choreographic artistry. It really is a shame...😢

[@InvisibleFeats]

I totally agree. She had some cute, impish things in the routine and even the artistry of her drawn out pauses added interest. People now just seek to dazzle with the special effects and seem to have lost a bit of the artistic posture.

[@rottymum9898]

Now they just do what the men do, Simone waves a hand around at the end of each line but there is zero artistry in what she does, as I said, may as well watch the men.

[@Miss_santa]

1 of a kind Mary Lou 🇺🇸 power and artistry. Today so many have power and lack the artistry.

[@juki638x]

Bc scoring has changed, new USA team clears her anyways

[@tc_0766]

That’s really just the US

[@tc_0766]

@@juki638xthe 2024 team?

[@terriselph4100]

Mary Lou was a true gift to watch perform.

[@jaysoncain2802]

Pure greatness!! I love how the routine goes with the music. Makes me think of Dominique Moceanu from the Atlanta Olympics doing Devil Went Down to Georgia.

[@francescakatz2884]

Dominique Moceanu has her roots 8n Romania

[@joburke6448]

Now the gymnast’s routines are unimaginably spectacular. For Mary Lou’s time her routine was at the highest level and no one thought that they could be harder, but they are dangerously difficult skills with today’s gymnast. A lot has changed in difficulty and in choice of music and I think gymnastics today is great and amazing.

[@dennettecarter4807]

MaryLou Retton is, by far, my FAVORITE of ALL TIME!! She DID IT before AMERICA was really doing it in Gymnastics!! We're the same age and she was my reason for getting into Gymnastics!! Besides, after her, I was ALWAYS TOLD I had that MaryLou Retton smile!! 🤷🏻‍♀😁

[@ladylibrum7145]

I remember how thrilling it was watching her back in the 80s!

[@francisnguyen6349]

Go, Mary Lou Retton!

[@shood35]

She's 6 years older than me and I wanted to be in the Olympics like her as a kid. I was in such awe of her.

[@lisageiger9841]

I am so glad someone is finally giving Mary Lou Retton her so deserved credit for the doors that she opened for the girls today. She is also a very big supporter of the Ronald McDonald house. I got into a car accident as a passenger and was 37 weeks pregnant. One day the house manager asked me who I admired. I said well I don't imagine Mary Lou Retton would be doing any flips dow the hallway. The house manager arranged it so I could meet her privately. I was so nervous. I got to sit next to her, and take a picture with her. She is very tiny. I had muscular legs like Mary Lou and she made it so much more acceptable. She is the nicest person I've ever met (star Wise). She also supports Rainbow babies and children's hospital in Cleveland. I know she wanted to be a commentator for gymnastics but they wouldn't let her. I felt that was very unfair. She gave us her all but we didn't give back very well. Why does Bart Conner get to be the commentator for men's and woman's gymnastics. She should be doing it too. She has such a great personality. Just saying.

[@dynasty0019]

Mary Lou did do some gymnastics commentating in the NCAA's, especially when her daughter was competing.

[@lisageiger9841]

Wow I had no idea! I know she did write aid commercials. It got to meet her in person, she's very little and very, very sweet. Almost the happiest day of my life. She also is a huge supporter of the Ronald McDonald house. That's where I met her in the Cleveland house. It was a surprise for me.

[@oranges8302]

My daughter and I saw her at a gymnastics competition in Indianapolis. When she performed, there was a palpable electric energy in the arena. She was incredible to watch.

[@mjremy2605]

Still the GOAT decades later. What a fireball and what leaps! Incredible. Bravo Mary Lou. You wowed me then and now.

[@pceezy1587]

You know this routine wouldn't medal in 2024

[@BiancaBrowne-m6o]

Simone biles is the goat

[@tc_0766]

Maybe out of American Gymnasts but definitely was never the GOAT internationally

[@cjhoward409]

I remember watching her ! Can’t believe this was 40 years ago already ! Wow

[@bellagrace9812]

What a darling she was. America's sweetheart!💕

[@coll4455]

Yooooo that second pass landing perfectly in the very corner not going out of bounds 🤯

[@albertitomoon5002]

She was SO CLOSE on that second pass, a little bit more and the story would've been different. Well done!

[@robynzelickson6164]

I went back and watched it again as I thought she might have gone out, but she wasn't. Definitely so close though.

[@dastrnad]

0.24 :The crowd’s collective “woah!” at the end of the first pass is epic.

[@GenXsinglefree]

I think the judges were generous with the 10. Still, the dance was superb with explosive tumbling. I miss the 3 tumbling pass routines. The dance elements were better.

[@josephmclaren5525]

I agree, it didn't exactly deserve a 10 but the routine was charismatic and effective.

[@tumicduguar2583]

@@josephmclaren5525 Yes I liked the choreography/artistry better than a lot of people. The only thing I didn't like in that area is it was just too similar to Emilia Eberle's floor routine of 79/80, almost the same music cuts and choreography even. The problem is she landed well short on her double tuck back to finish and took two steps forward. Not a 10 under any conditions with that. Especialy when Szabo who literally did have a perfect routine, a better routine than the ones she got 10 for in event finals and team optionals had gotten only a 9.95 earlier. Szabo doesn't have a single breathtaking move like Mary Lou's double layout but still that isn't right. Deductions are deductions.

[@josephmclaren5525]

@@tumicduguar2583 Yes I agree with you, it was too similar to Eberle's routine and with a short landing surely you wouldn't get a 10 for that, as you said deductions are deductions.

[@workin4alivin585]

Level of difficulty.

[@josephmclaren5525]

@@workin4alivin585 What do you mean?

[@Dobiegal]

America's sweetheart of the day.

[@donaldholderdoc2910]

All my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Mary Lou 💕 You are a fighter and can beat this Pneumonia! 🌹🕊️💖I was in Los Angeles and watched you create magic for American Women's Gymnastics. "Lord, place your healing hand on this giant of Olympic athletics and giant in our hearts"🕊️🌹🕊️💖.

[@SapienSafari]

THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS!

[@ladyphoenix9752]

Her strength is undeniable.👾👍

[@EvelynSaungikar]

She initiated the move from graceful to powerful for women’s gymnastics.

[@williamcorcoran8842]

Mary Lou remains in our prayers!

[@Tom-jx9te]

This was August 1984. I remember watching it in my little apartment on a black-and-white TV with rabbit ears. The whole country was in jubilee at the award ceremony.

[@lisanoele7996]

She has such speed on her tumbling runs. And such precision. She's also personality plus~fun to watch!

[@Korcasandromedaa]

She was called the bumblebee because she’s small strong and fast. 😊

[@reginasmoler]

What a performance! So musical! Brilliant!

[@Lisa-qk1xj]

I can only think that the thumbs down are from people comparing the difficulty level of today's gymnastics to those of 1984. The sport keeps evolving. It keeps pushing itself. It's an unfair comparison. For the time, this was an absolutely beautiful and outstanding performance. There was a strong emphasis on artistry back than as well, keeping body lines straight, muscle form, etc.., which has been lost in many performances of today. Everything now is about flips and splits. They looked for a different set of skills back then. Anyway, it's like comparing apples to oranges. She was such a great athlete and her smile alone was a 10! It's a joy to look back on these great Olympic moments.

[@deedebdoo]

Maybe it’s the jealous moms from the losing teams.

[@leukion]

I remember her image on the cereal boxes. She was cool. And I recently saw her on Dancing With the Stars. Still cool. Same personality.

[@1Nida]

That is an all time Great Routine. The music and choreography really made it fun as well as the advanced skills and perfect execution!

[@joehansen9447]

My all time favorite! Boy did I have a crush on her in 84 when I was 14

[@sherrizanoli1398]

You go cousin. You are always a 10.

[@tbc210]

My absolute favorite Olympics. Watching her and Carl Lewis.. they were both so amazing.

[@calb1231]

I forgot how amazing she was!

[@m.y.o.b.724]

Wow, Ihat's a flash from the past. Watched the Olympics back then, unlike now.

[@madharts007]

Remember when THIS was the spirit of America??

[@rchl7]

As opposed to…?

[@madharts007]

As opposed to all the protest bs, and whiny mental health quitters. Hate this country, grab a plane back to any country you want with the people you like better than America and Americans.

[@sarahbarter7506]

@@madharts007 I'm sure you would want to risk your life flipping and twisting 6 feet in the air when your brain is incapable of knowing where you are. I'm sorry no one ever taught you that your mind actually controls your body and also happy for you that you've never experienced uncontrollable panic and stress. Must be nice.

[@wfemp_4730]

@@madharts007 Strawman much?

[@JennyofOldStones713]

@@rchl7 as opposed to the gen z that hates their country. It’s quite obvious and if you don’t see it, you’re blind.

[@irisespindola2868]

Wonderful memory of a true winner. Such a joy to watch.

[@vanessareal9826]

Quite impressive that so many years later, gymnasts still perform some of the same tumbling passes as Mary Lou did. Just shows how great she was (and still is).

[@tc_0766]

She wasn’t the first to do them💀

[@dancingpixie6120]

🙏🙏 for Mary Lou! She’s been ill recently with a rare form of Pneumonia!! She’s on the road to recovery but certainly not there yet. America remembers & loves you Mary Lou!! ❤️🇺🇸❤️

[@KandeShack]

She was so incredibly powerful and fast!

[@florenciabalori3625]

I love the explotions of energy at the end of the moves, it gives this routine that extra spice

[@ellyalovis640]

She was the epitome of cuteness and athleticism! That's why she got a ten.

[@workin4alivin585]

Level of difficulty and execution thereof upped the score. She pioneered these skills that have become commonplace.

[@ER-uy7ct]

The quiet "Yes!" Was awesome. She KNEW she acted it. Those landings are insane.

[@susansmith493]

The "hard skills" have gotten better and more complicated nowadays but dang !!!! the soft skills and artistry were off the charts in the older olympics. There is no comparing the sheer artistic beauty combined with athleticism of this performance. Same with ice skating. The artistry is simply not there in modern figure skating but the athleticism is great. Different times.

[@enaid54]

The dancing and timing was better than it is now! Powerful routine!

[@MarinaFraymo]

The first goat from USA 🇺🇸 🐐❣️✨👑

[@masayapyro-lionignacio2515]

Mary Lou Rstton will always be my #1 the BEST US female Olympian gymnast

[@SimplyBest-hj1ns]

In the past, everything was better and more talented than today.

[@bellowphone]

Her dancing is so beautiful.

[@TRUTHISABSOLUTE777]

This chick always had power to spare. Explosive gal.

[@tammytam1392]

All these years later still just incredible!! I graduate graduated high school in 84 and it doesn’t seem like it was that long ago! Just insane

[@jennifermarcenelle5309]

I’m thinking 🤔 Mary Lou Retton - the Princess Diana of floor routines! 🤩

[@reneesantiago6496]

Skills back then are so much better than todays! Biles couldn’t touch Mary Lou imo

[@leestewart3690]

Just a side note, I was 6 years old when I watched Mary Lou Retton, I’m 44 Now and remember her name and what she did still.

[@SharkyJ40]

Mary Lou, you’re still a 10 today! ❤