Livvy Dunne

Olivia "Livvy" Dunne: From Gymnastics Prodigy to Cultural Icon

🧒 Early Life and Family

Olivia Paige Dunne, widely known as "Livvy," was born on October 1, 2002, in Westwood, New Jersey, United States, and raised in Hillsdale, New Jersey. She is the daughter of David and Katherine Dunne and has an older sister, Julianna, who played softball competitively. Livvy’s passion for gymnastics emerged early; she began training at just three years old at ENA Gymnastics in Paramus, New Jersey. To support her athletic journey, Livvy was homeschooled through the Abeka Academy curriculum, allowing her to focus intensively on gymnastics.

🤸‍♀️ Gymnastics Career

Youth and National Team

Livvy entered the elite level of gymnastics in 2014 at the American Classic. By 2017, she had secured a spot on the USA Junior National Team and competed internationally at the Jesolo Trophy in Italy, where she placed sixth in the all-around category. Throughout her junior career, she consistently delivered strong performances, particularly excelling on uneven bars and floor exercise.

College Career at LSU

In 2020, Livvy joined the LSU Tigers women's gymnastics team. During her freshman season, she regularly competed on the uneven bars, earning a season-high score of 9.925. Her contributions were instrumental during LSU's historic 2024 season, helping the team capture its first-ever NCAA national title, with Livvy averaging an impressive 9.857 on floor routines. However, her journey faced setbacks due to serious injuries, including a torn labrum and a fractured kneecap, which sidelined her during critical competitions.

🌟 Media Presence and Influence

Beyond gymnastics, Livvy Dunne became a social media sensation, amassing over 13 million followers across TikTok and Instagram. She was among the first athletes to capitalize on the NCAA's NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policy, signing endorsement deals with major brands such as Crocs, American Eagle, Grubhub, and ESPN. In 2023, she made headlines by appearing in the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, solidifying her position as a modern cultural icon.

💔 Retirement from Gymnastics

In April 2025, following LSU’s unexpected elimination before the NCAA finals, Livvy officially announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics at the age of 22. In an emotional farewell video, she described gymnastics as her "first love" and reflected on the sacrifices and challenges she faced throughout her 20-year career.

💼 Future Plans

Post-retirement, Livvy plans to further build her personal brand, pursue media projects, and continue advocating for young athletes through the Livvy Fund, which helps connect student-athletes with NIL opportunities. She also looks forward to spending more time with her boyfriend, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes, and exploring new ventures beyond the world of sports.

Livvy Dunne's story is one of talent, resilience, and savvy, inspiring young athletes worldwide to dream big, work hard, and embrace every opportunity in the digital age.