Olivia Dunne, at a young age, has blossomed into a renowned figure in gymnastics, a popular social media influencer, and a subject of fascination, with her worth estimated at $6 million. Rather than retreat into a life of luxury, this Louisiana State University communications major is just beginning her journey. She has shown dedication to her education, her sport, and her social media presence, showcasing her ability to engage her peers with her online persona.
Her magnetic presence as a gymnast has positioned her as one of the most talked-about personalities lately. Media outlets frequently cover her activities, including speculation about her dating life, which has included links to NFL star Justin Jefferson, country musician Morgan Wallen, and currently, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes.
Fashion also plays a crucial role in Dunne’s identity. She has expressed her passion for fashion design on her website, stating, “I love fashion design,” and highlights her involvement in creating her custom leotards. Besides her gymnastics outfits, Dunne’s style has evolved, reflecting a mix of casual and sophisticated fashion choices, ensuring she always turns heads.
Her early passion for gymnastics and fashion
Olivia Dunne’s fixation on gymnastics began in her childhood in New Jersey, where her attraction to the sport was fueled by the appealing outfits worn by gymnasts. She recounted, “I was like, ‘Mom, I want that,’ and she said, ‘Well, you can’t have a leotard unless you do gymnastics,'” leading to her signing up for classes. The sparkle of the leotards captivated her, establishing a long-lasting fascination with fashion.
Her love for beautiful garments extended beyond leotards; she delighted in wearing sequined dresses for holidays and special occasions, including a standout pink dress for her 15th birthday. Whether casual or elegantly dressed for formal events, Dunne always embraced fashion, especially at gymnastics banquets where she showcased her impressive competitive achievements.
Before attending LSU on a gymnastics scholarship, she posed a fun question to her followers on TikTok about choosing between sweatpants or dresses, highlighting her evolving style while balancing her athletic and academic demands.
Olivia’s college style: casual and comfortable
By the time she reached LSU in 2020, Olivia Dunne had gained a following of 100,000 on TikTok and was on her way to balancing school and gymnastics. While her online presence flourished, attending classes and training left little room for fancy outfits; she often opted for casual wear, even humorously posting about wearing sweatpants in the sweltering heat on Instagram.
Dunne’s casual approach also had to do with NCAA regulations, which prohibited her from monetizing her social media following or receiving sponsorships during her freshman year. This restriction was a source of frustration for her family, as her mother expressed concern about keeping Dunne from benefiting from her own fame. Fortunately, these regulations shifted after her first year, opening the door for new opportunities.
Securing her first fashion partnership
In June 2021, just before Olivia Dunne began her second year at LSU, the Supreme Court ruled in a case that favored college athletes, altering NCAA policies that previously limited their earning potential. As a result, athletes could now earn from their names and images. Dunne expressed her excitement about the changes, stating, “I love social media, and the new rules let you pursue what you enjoy,” shortly after signing with WME Sports for representation.
By September, she had garnered 5 million followers, becoming the most followed NCAA athlete. She quickly partnered with Vuori for her first sponsorship, although financial details were not shared. This arrangement allowed her to participate in both online and offline promotions while showcasing Vuori’s activewear.
Dunne has always had a passion for fashion. Before college, she and her coach designed custom leotards for her competitions. She expressed her love for Vuori’s attire, saying, “Their clothes look and feel amazing,” and was proud to have them as her first partner.