OLIVIA Dunne’s tears were running down her cheek after her emotional decision regarding her gymnastics future.
The 22-year-old revealed the announcement on her future after her LSU Tigers gymnastics team lost in the NCAA semifinals last week.
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Dunne said goodbye to gymnastics after eligibility with the Tigers end in an X post last Thursday.
“(Piece sign emoji) out gymnastics it’s been real… and of course forever LSU! (purple heart emoji),” she wrote on X.
Dunne enjoyed five seasons with LSU, instead of the usual four, and will move on to other things as her 20-year journey in gymnastics has ended.
On Monday, she officially hung up her leotard in an emotional video after announcing her retirement.
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Dunne was seen sitting down at LSU’s PMAC Center and looking back at some of her career highlights as part of a farewell video by the Tigers.
She even narrated in the video, saying in the beginning, “Time flies when you’re having fun. Something said 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 continued to narrate as she brought up her accomplishments while adding, “Gymnastics, you have filled my heart. … You’ve shaped me into the person I am today, creating memories and sisterhoods that will last a life support. You are my first love.”
She then thanked her family, especially her parents, who helped her through the journey, her coaches throughout her gymnastics career, and finally, the sport.
Once the footage of her whole career was nearing its end, the camera spotted Dunne, who was visibly emotional and couldn’t hold back her tears.
Fans sent their best wishes to Dunne and congratulated her on her retirement.
“Congrats on a wonderful adventure and thank you for raising the bar proverbially for everyone,” one wrote.
“Amazing video. Congratulations on an amazing career,” another commented.
“This is beautiful I am crying so proud of you,” a third added.
Dunne is one of the highest-paid NIL earners thanks to her social media presence.
Dunne and Skenes’ summer of love
Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes managed to keep their relationship a secret before finally going public in the summer of 2023.
The pair met at LSU, but it’s not clear when they started dating.
Rumors of a romance began when Dunne watched LSU win the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska.
And Dunne then posted selfies from Fort Myers in Florida, where Skenes was playing.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and began his pro career by playing in minor leagues in the Sunshine State.
The final clue came when Dunne posed in a Pirates cap before the pair finally went public.
She has 13 million-plus followers between Instagram and TikTok.
Dunne has an NIL evaluation of $4.1 million, per On3.
The New Jersey native can have her eyes set on other business ventures.
Dunne currently has sponsorship deals with Crocs, American Eagle, Grubhub, ESPN and Nautica, among others.
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The 2023-24 NCAA champion also has experience as a model, as she made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut in 2023.
Dunne will likely continue to see her attend Pittsburgh Pirates games to see her boyfriend, star pitcher Paul Skenes, perform, as his second MLB season is in full swing.
