Warning: This article contains descriptions of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Olivia Dunne’s journey as a gymnast began at a young age. Fascinated by gymnastics at 3, she showed exceptional talent early on. In a 2023 interview with Elle, she reminisced, “I remember being quite strong for a three-year-old. I can barely even think about doing it right now at 20.” Gymnastics wasn’t her only passion from a young age.
At 10 or 11, shortly after Instagram launched, Dunne entered the platform. Recalling that time, she expressed how meaningful it was to be a role model for younger girls. Building a substantial online following, she currently holds the record as the most-followed college athlete with over 13 million followers. While her career flourished with the NCAA’s NIL deal in 2021, Dunne encountered personal challenges despite her success.
Olivia Dunne’s Struggle with Injury in December 2022
In early December 2022, Dunne sustained a leg injury, leading to her withdrawal from competitions. Updating fans on her recovery, she shared an Instagram photo wearing a brace on her left foot, captioned “Wonder Woman vibes” (via The Sun).
As Dunne recuperated, the LSU Tigers faced challenges. Coach Jay Clark emphasized the need for her speedy recovery. In a January 2023 interview with Nola.com, Clark noted a recent setback but anticipated her return within two weeks. Planning a gradual return, Dunne would begin with uneven bars. “It’s a little frustrating,” Clark confessed about the situation.
True to his plan, Clark guided Dunne back to training, showcasing her resilient spirit. In February 2023, she posted a TikTok video on the uneven bars, highlighting her resilience despite the bandage on her foot and ankle, captioned “Getting back into the swing of things.”
Shattered Olympic Aspirations at 15
As a young gymnast, Dunne dreamt of competing in the Olympics. By age 10, she was training to become an elite gymnast on the global stage. Unfortunately, an injury abruptly derailed her aspirations.
During an August 2021 podcast appearance on the “BFFs” show with Dave Portnoy, Josh Richards, and Bri Chickenfry, Dunne shared how an injury in her junior year shattered her Olympic dreams. She recounted a severe ankle injury at 15, prompting her to rethink her gymnastics path and pursue college instead. Additionally, her ambitions were marred by Karolyi Ranch, a notorious training site where Larry Nassar molested numerous gymnasts, tarnishing the sport’s integrity.
Olivia Dunne received a full athletic scholarship from Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2017, which she announced on Instagram. Upon joining LSU in 2020, her popularity soared due to her social media following and athletic prowess.
Due to her elevated profile, Dunne prioritized her safety, opting to stop attending physical classes to avoid revealing her daily schedule and location. This decision came after previous scares regarding her security.
In 2021, Dunne shared her college routine, emphasizing the balance between academics and gymnastics. She described her typical day, starting with classes alongside her teammates, studying at the communications center, and focusing on schoolwork.
Incident at LSU Game
In January 2023, during LSU’s first game of the season, a group of fans clamored to see Olivia Dunne, chanting her name aggressively. Despite Dunne not competing due to an injury, the situation escalated outside the auditorium.
In response, LSU heightened security measures for the gymnasts, emphasizing the team’s safety. Dunne, leveraging her popularity, urged fans to be respectful to all gymnasts at meets, highlighting the importance of professionalism.
Pick-Pocketing at Coachella
Olivia Dunne fell victim to pick-pocketing after attending an event at Coachella in 2022. She humorously acknowledged the theft on Instagram, revealing her need for a phone upgrade.
Her mother detailed the incident, highlighting the loss of credit cards and identification. Olivia shared her experience on TikTok, mentioning the impact on her influencing work. Despite the setback, she made the most of her time at the festival.
Sophia Michaels
