Pay-per-view would deprive many kids of the delight of seeing the Olympics.

Meaning of the quote

Mary Lou Retton, a famous American athlete, said that if people had to pay to watch the Olympics, many kids would not be able to enjoy seeing the competitions. She believes that the Olympics should be free for everyone to watch, so that all children can feel the excitement of seeing the best athletes in the world compete.

About Mary Lou Retton

Mary Lou Retton is an American retired gymnast who won a gold medal in the individual all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She also won two silver medals and two bronze medals, making her one of the most popular athletes in the United States.

More about the author

More quotes from Mary Lou Retton

In the dressing room, I always put on my right shoe first. Same thing for my right wristband.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

For six years, I kept my five Olympic medals wrapped in a plastic bread bag beneath my bed.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

You give up your childhood. You miss proms and games and high-school events, and people say it’s awful… I say it was a good trade. You miss something but I think I gained more than I lost.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

I love her attitude, but as much as I’d like to bring my medals to a speech or appearance, I never do.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Former Olympians also get paid to make appearances. Many of them won their medals in an era when Olympic success didn’t go hand-in-hand with financial success.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

For athletes, the Olympics are the ultimate test of their worth.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Many medal winners dream of competing in a sport other than the one they’re famous for.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Fragile egos are put on the line every day.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

As simple as it sounds, we all must try to be the best person we can: by making the best choices, by making the most of the talents we’ve been given.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

If I had a bad performance in a particular leotard, I threw it in the trash.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Having a home away from the media glare is important to world-class athletes.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Many athletes competing in Atlanta wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for corporate support.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Getting to know athletes from all over the planet is a big part of the Olympic experience.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

As a kid, I was a pretty good little sprinter.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Pay-per-view would deprive many kids of the delight of seeing the Olympics.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Companies that support sports developmental programs in our communities should also be applauded.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

The endorsement game has been very good to me.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

That’s because the International Olympic Committee has a policy of never replacing medals.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

In L.A., we had a game room with a new sensation called Pac-Man.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

I usually don’t mind giving autographs, but when hundreds of folks with paper and pen start coming at you, it’s time to seek shelter.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

Be cocky. Walk into the Georgia Dome like you own it.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast

It’s going to be really weird when I’m 80 years old, in a walker, and people are still calling me America’s sweetheart. We need a new one.

Mary Lou Retton

American gymnast