Olympics Day 9 - Gymnastics - Artistic — McKayla Maroney (Image via: Getty Images)

What happened to McKayla Maroney? Everything about the post-retirement life of the Olympic champion

Modified Jul 17, 2024 18:31 GMT

McKayla Maroney is one of America's most decorated gymnasts. Over the course of her career that ended in 2016 due to major injuries and health issues after the 2012 London Olympics, she navigated her path through numerous setbacks and hurdles.

The California native's life after her retirement has been equally challenging and inspiring. Just one year after her retirement from gymnastics, Maroney disclosed serious allegations of sexual abuse and molestation against Larry Nassar, the former physician of the Team USA women's gymnastics team.

It was after this incident and chapter that Maroney got involved with social advocacy through which she helps women who have suffered from sexual assault and acts as a voice on their behalf.

Besides her social advocacy, McKayla Maroney is also a prominent songwriter and singer. Her first song 'Ghost' was released back in 2016, and since then she has produced a few other singles, namely "Wake up call" and "Covid lockdown".

Maroney also has an immense passion for acting, and has featured in various shows, including Hart of Dixie and Superstore.

In an interview with Huffington Post, McKayla Maroney elaborated on her aspirations of living a life without any regrets. She said:

"Always, always follow your dreams and never give up on them. If you're following your dreams, you're doing something you love and that you believe in yourself for."

She further stated:

"So many kids are told that they can't do something or they shouldn't do something and it's really sad because it's what they want to do and what they love. But you have to work hard at it; that's the most important thing. I don't want to ever live with regrets so I always do whatever I think that I should do."

All you need to know about McKayla Maroney's gymnastics career

Maroney at the London Olympics 2012 (Image via: Getty Images)

McKayla Maroney represented the USA across various global tournaments and also emerged victorious with numerous laurels during her gymnastics career. Her major footing on the international circuit came at the Pan American Championships in Guadalajara in 2010 when she won three gold medals in vault, floor exercises, and team competitions.

Following this success, McKayla Maroney added some more gold to her cabinet during the 2011 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, emerging victorious in vault exercises and team competitions.

The major stride in her career came in London during the 2012 Olympic Games when she won two gold medals in vault exercises and team competitions. This event also remained the only Olympic games participation in Manorey's career, and she was forced to retire in 2016 after a string of injuries.