| In Los Angeles, President Reagan greeted Mary Lou Retton and looked over a crowd of 600 members of the U. S. Olympic team while stating, “There is a new patriotism spreading across our country. So when you're put there, set your sights high . . . Then go for it! Do it for yourselves, for your families, for your country and . . .do it for the Gipper.” Mary Lou Retton sports her gold medals won while charming a responsive crowd. The 16 year old gymnast evoked instant adulation, a ticket tape parade in New York, and lucrative advertising contracts that capitalized on her charisma. August 13, 19894. |
