Her achievements in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics made her the first woman to win the all - around gold medal ( a title she held for 20 years after ) .
Mary Lou Retton is credited as being a pioneer figure in women 's gymnastics .
Mary Lou Retton 's achievements in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics made her the first woman to win the all - around gold medal ( a title she held for 20 years after ) .
Mary Lou Retton is credited as being a pioneer figure in women 's gymnastics .