Profile
Olivia Paige “Livvy” Dunne (born October 1, 2002) is an American former elite gymnast, social media influencer, Sports Illustrated model, and one of the most successful college athletes of the NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) era. Known as much for her athletic talent as her media savvy, Dunne has built a multi-million-dollar brand through performance, personality, and unapologetic self-promotion.
Early Life and Gymnastics Career
Born in Westwood, New Jersey, and raised in Hillsdale, Dunne began gymnastics at the age of three. She reportedly asked to start classes simply because she wanted a “sparkly pink leotard.” That desire quickly transformed into serious training. She climbed the ranks quickly, becoming a Level 9 gymnast at age 9 and reaching Junior International Elite by age 11.
By 2017, she had joined the U.S. Junior National Team and won gold as part of the junior squad at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy. Though a series of injuries disrupted her elite track, she transitioned smoothly to NCAA competition with Louisiana State University (LSU), starting in 2020. Known for her standout routines on uneven bars and floor, Dunne earned career-high scores of 9.925 and helped LSU win its first NCAA National Championship in 2024.
She retired from gymnastics in April 2025 following an avulsion fracture to her kneecap.
Rise to Fame and NIL Success
Dunne joined TikTok in 2020, and her blend of gymnastics clips, lifestyle content, and viral dances quickly propelled her to influencer status. When the NCAA changed its NIL rules in 2021, allowing student-athletes to profit from their personal brands, she was perfectly positioned to capitalize. She quickly became the highest-valued female college athlete in the country.
By 2023, her social following surpassed 13 million combined on TikTok and Instagram. Her brand partnerships included Reebok, Vuori, American Eagle, Crocs, Invisalign, and BodyArmor, among others. Dunne reportedly earned between $3.5 million and $4.5 million per year in endorsements, with a total net worth estimated at $6–9 million by mid-2025.
She appeared in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2023 and graced its cover in 2025.
Controversy and Public Criticism
While Dunne’s success is undeniable, she’s also drawn criticism. In 2023, she posted a sponsored TikTok promoting an AI essay generator (Caktus.ai), writing, “Need to get my creativity flowing for my essay due at midnight” and declaring “Caktus.AI > ChatGPT.” The post triggered backlash and a statement from LSU warning against using AI tools for academic work.
She was also at the center of a 2023 security incident when large crowds of male fans disrupted an LSU gymnastics meet in Utah. Following the incident, LSU increased security, and Dunne issued a public request for fans to “be more respectful.”
Despite the backlash, Dunne has remained confident and composed, often using controversy to boost visibility.
Branding and Business Ventures
Dunne’s business instincts go beyond endorsements. In 2023, she launched “The Livvy Fund,” an NIL collective designed to help other LSU female athletes monetize their name, image, and likeness. She has hinted at future plans in media and entertainment, suggesting acting or hosting roles may be on the horizon.
Dunne’s most quoted phrase in recent years, “Just getting started,” has become her unofficial brand motto. Whether in gymnastics, business, or branding, she presents herself as confident, polished, and highly aware of her public image.
Personal Life
Dunne has been in a public relationship with MLB pitcher Paul Skenes since 2023. The couple met while attending LSU and have been seen supporting each other at sporting events.
Now retired from competitive gymnastics, Dunne is focused on modeling, media, and expanding her personal brand.
