In a heartfelt farewell, Olivia "Livvy" Dunne has officially announced her retirement from gymnastics, marking the end of an era for the LSU Lady Tigers. The 22-year-old gymnast and social media influencer shared the emotional news on April 18, 2025, following her team's unsuccessful bid to defend their NCAA championship title. Dunne's journey in gymnastics began at an astonishingly young age, competing since she was just two years old.
In a moving tribute posted on Instagram on April 21, Dunne reflected on her extensive career, which spanned over two decades. The video, which showcased highlights from her gymnastics journey, left her visibly emotional as she watched it unfold on a projector screen. "Time flies when you're having fun. Something said that when you’re enjoying yourself to the point time seems to slip away from you, and that’s exactly how the past 20 years in this sport have felt," Dunne said in the video, her voice filled with nostalgia.
As she reminisced, Dunne expressed her profound gratitude for the experiences she gained through gymnastics. "Every risk was worth the reward. Gymnastics, you have filled my heart and will always be a part of me. You shaped me into the person I am today, creating memories and sisterhoods that will last a lifetime beyond the sport. You were my first love," she added, tears streaming down her face.
Despite her retirement from gymnastics, Dunne is not stepping away from the spotlight. She revealed in a TikTok video that she is continuing her college education in graduate school, demonstrating her commitment to her academic pursuits alongside her successful career as a social media influencer. With an impressive endorsement portfolio valued at over $4 million, Dunne is one of the highest-paid female collegiate athletes in history, boasting more than five million followers across various platforms.
While Dunne's gymnastics career may have come to a close, her impact on the sport and her legacy at LSU remains significant. She played a pivotal role in helping the Tigers secure their first NCAA title in 2024, and her contributions to the team have left a lasting impression.
In the wake of Dunne's retirement, the LSU gymnastics team faces new challenges. The Tigers, who entered the NCAA championships as the top seed, were unable to repeat their previous success, with Utah clinching their fifth consecutive Final Four appearance. The competition was fierce, with other strong teams like UCLA, Oklahoma, and Missouri also vying for top honors.
Dunne's absence will undoubtedly be felt by her teammates and fans alike as they adjust to life without their star gymnast. However, her journey is far from over. Dunne has been seen supporting her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, at games, and their relationship has blossomed since they began dating in the summer of 2023.
As Dunne transitions into this new chapter of her life, she remains a prominent figure in the sports world, continuing to inspire young athletes and fans with her story. Her commitment to both her studies and her burgeoning career as a social media influencer suggests that while her gymnastics career has ended, her influence in the sports community is just beginning.
Livvy Dunne's journey through gymnastics has been a remarkable one, filled with triumphs and challenges. As she hangs up her leotards for the last time, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of gymnasts. With her sights set on graduate school and a thriving social media presence, Dunne is poised to make her mark in new arenas, proving that the end of one chapter is merely the beginning of another.
