Skyla Brae Kelley Biography: The Life of Olympic Champion Mary Lou Retton’s Third Daughter
Skyla Brae Kelley is the third daughter of legendary American gymnast Mary Lou Retton, who made history by becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics. Born into a family known for athletic excellence, Skyla has grown up in the spotlight while maintaining her own identity away from competitive sports.
Detailed Bio Table
| Full Name | Skyla Brae Kelley |
|---|---|
| Famous As | Daughter of Mary Lou Retton |
| Date of Birth | November 2, 1999 |
| Age | 25 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Houston, Texas, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Parents | Mary Lou Retton (Mother), Shannon Kelley (Father) |
| Siblings | Shayla Kelley, McKenna Kelley, Emma Kelley |
| Education | University of Arkansas |
| Profession | Student, Social Media Personality |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Early Life and Family Background
Skyla Brae Kelley was born on November 2, 1999, in Houston, Texas. She grew up in a family where sports and dedication were part of daily life. Her mother, Mary Lou Retton, became an American hero when she won five medals at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, including the all-around gold medal. This achievement made Mary Lou one of the most recognized athletes in American sports history.
Skyla’s father, Shannon Kelley, was a former football player at the University of Texas. Her parents married in 1990 and raised four daughters together before divorcing in 2018. Growing up, Skyla shared her childhood with her three sisters: Shayla, McKenna, and Emma. Each sister developed their own interests and talents.
The Kelley household was always active and supportive. While Mary Lou’s gymnastics career ended before Skyla was born, the values of hard work and determination remained strong in their home. Skyla learned from an early age about the importance of setting goals and working toward them.
Education and College Life
Skyla attended the University of Arkansas, where she focused on her studies rather than following in her mother’s athletic footsteps. Unlike her older sister McKenna, who became a successful college gymnast at Louisiana State University, Skyla chose a different path. She enjoyed college life and built friendships while discovering her own passions.
During her time at university, Skyla stayed connected with her family despite the distance. She often shared moments from her college experience on social media, showing her followers that she valued both education and personal growth. Her decision to pursue academics showed that she wanted to create her own identity separate from her famous mother’s legacy.
Relationship with Her Mother
Skyla shares a close bond with her mother, Mary Lou Retton. The two have been seen together at various events and family gatherings over the years. Mary Lou has always been supportive of her daughters’ choices, whether they pursued sports or other interests.
In October 2023, Mary Lou faced a serious health crisis when she was hospitalized with a rare form of pneumonia. During this difficult time, Skyla and her sisters rallied around their mother, showing the strong family connection they share. The experience brought the family even closer together, and they asked for prayers and support from the public.
Mary Lou has often spoken about how proud she is of all her daughters. She raised them to be independent and confident, teaching them that success comes in many forms. Skyla has benefited from having a mother who understands both the pressures of public life and the importance of staying true to yourself.
Sisters and Family Dynamics
Skyla is the third of four daughters in the Kelley family. Her oldest sister, Shayla, was born in 1995 and has pursued her own career path. McKenna, born in 1997, followed more closely in their mother’s footsteps by becoming a competitive gymnast at LSU, where she earned All-American honors. The youngest sister, Emma, was born in 2002 and has also made her own way in life.
Despite their different interests, the four sisters maintain strong relationships. They support each other through life’s challenges and celebrate each other’s successes. Family gatherings are important to them, and they often share photos and memories on social media.
The sisters grew up understanding that being part of the Retton family came with attention, but their parents worked hard to give them normal childhoods. They attended regular schools, made friends, and experienced typical teenage years despite their mother’s fame.
Life in the Public Eye
Being the daughter of an Olympic champion means that Skyla has always had some level of public interest in her life. However, she has managed to maintain a relatively private lifestyle compared to other celebrity children. She uses social media selectively, sharing moments she feels comfortable with while keeping many aspects of her personal life private.
Skyla has attended public events with her mother occasionally, including gymnastics competitions and charity functions. These appearances show her support for her mother’s legacy while also allowing her to connect with fans who have followed the Retton family for years.
Unlike some children of famous parents, Skyla has not pursued a career in entertainment or professional sports. Instead, she has chosen a more private path, focusing on her education and personal development. This choice reflects her desire to be known for her own accomplishments rather than just her family name.
Personal Interests and Current Life
While specific details about Skyla’s career plans remain private, she has shown interest in living a balanced life that includes family, friends, and personal growth. She enjoys spending time with her sisters and mother, traveling, and experiencing new things.
Skyla represents a new generation of the Retton family, one that can choose their own path while still honoring their family’s athletic legacy. She has learned valuable lessons from her mother about perseverance, grace under pressure, and the importance of family support.
As of 2025, Skyla continues to build her life on her own terms. She maintains close relationships with her family while pursuing her own goals and dreams. Her story shows that being part of a famous family doesn’t mean you have to follow the same path, it can also mean having the confidence to create your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Skyla Brae Kelley?
Skyla Brae Kelley is the third daughter of Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton and former football player Shannon Kelley. She was born on November 2, 1999, in Houston, Texas.
2. Did Skyla Kelley become a gymnast like her mother?
No, Skyla chose not to pursue competitive gymnastics. Unlike her sister McKenna who became a college gymnast, Skyla focused on her education at the University of Arkansas and chose a different career path.
3. How many sisters does Skyla Kelley have?
Skyla has three sisters: Shayla (oldest), McKenna (second oldest), and Emma (youngest). All four sisters share a close family bond.
4. Are Skyla Kelley’s parents still married?
No, Skyla’s parents, Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley, divorced in 2018 after 28 years of marriage. They continue to co-parent their four daughters.
5. What is Skyla Kelley doing now?
Skyla maintains a relatively private life focused on personal growth and family relationships. She completed her studies at the University of Arkansas and stays connected with her family while building her own future.
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