It was a bittersweet evening at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge on Friday, as Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and her fellow LSU seniors were honored in their final home meet. While the night was meant to celebrate the end of an era for these talented gymnasts, it also carried an emotional weight for Dunne, who was unable to compete due to a recently revealed injury.
Dunne’s Heartfelt Senior Night Tribute
In a TikTok video posted on Saturday, Dunne shared moments from the senior night celebration, showing her waving to the roaring crowd, embracing coaches, teammates, and loved ones, and maneuvering with a leg brace.
“LSU, you’ve been so good to me!” she captioned the post, expressing her gratitude for the program that has been her home for the last five years.
Despite not being able to take the floor for one final performance, Dunne received an outpouring of love and appreciation from fans, teammates, and the LSU community.
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The Injury That Kept Dunne Sidelined
Just a day before the meet, Dunne took to Instagram to reveal the devastating news about her injury.
“Hi friends! Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with an avulsion fracture of my patella and will not be able to compete on senior night,” she wrote in an Instagram Story on Thursday.
“It absolutely breaks my heart to not get the opportunity to compete in the PMAC one last time. Tiger fans, you’ve been so good to me! Thank you for the endless support and as always, Geaux Tigers! – Liv.”
Dunne, 22, has been sidelined since January 24, missing several key meets in what was supposed to be her final collegiate season.
LSU Caps Off Senior Night with Record-Breaking Performance
While Dunne couldn’t compete, her LSU teammates delivered a historic performance, setting a new program record score of 198.575-197.175 in their win over No. 10 Georgia. The No. 2-ranked Tigers closed out their home season in dominant fashion, further solidifying their status as one of the top contenders for a national title.
With only one more regular-season meet—a road trip to Auburn on Friday—LSU will then turn its focus to the SEC Championships, followed by the NCAA Championships, where they aim to defend their first-ever national title.
Dunne’s Legacy at LSU and Beyond
Dunne’s impact at LSU goes far beyond gymnastics. As one of the most recognizable athletes of the NIL era, she has redefined what it means to be a college athlete, leveraging her platform to build an impressive personal brand.
Last summer, she announced her decision to return to LSU, citing her rekindled love for the sport as a major factor.
“I’ve really found my love for the sport again last year, I’d say. So that’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to come back,” Dunne told The New York Post in September.
Beyond gymnastics, the New Jersey native has made a name for herself in the modeling and business world. She became a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model in 2023, has partnered with major brands like Vuori, and continues to be one of the most-followed college athletes on social media.
Her Relationship with Paul Skenes
Dunne’s personal life has also drawn attention, particularly her relationship with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who confirmed their romance in 2023.
She has been a strong supporter of Skenes’ baseball career, frequently attending Pirates games when he was called up to the majors last season. The 22-year-old pitcher is coming off a stellar year, earning the NL Rookie of the Year title and positioning himself as one of MLB’s rising stars.
What’s Next for Dunne?
While Dunne’s collegiate gymnastics career may have come to an unexpected and heartbreaking end, she remains one of the most influential figures in the sport. Whether she continues pursuing gymnastics, expands her modeling career, or explores new ventures, there’s no doubt that her impact will be felt far beyond the mat.
For now, she is focused on supporting her team as they chase another national championship—and soaking in every remaining moment of her unforgettable journey at LSU.