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Beautiful Olivia Dunne Is the Highest-Paid Female College Athlete

Olivia Dunne

OLIVIA DUNNE
Born: 01 OCT. 2002
Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Country: United States

Olivia Dunne is more than just a talented gymnast. While she stands out as an athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU) and has been a part of the USA national gymnastics team, her influence goes beyond her skills on the mat. Olivia has also become a huge presence online, showing that today’s athletes can succeed not just in their sport but in the digital world as well.

Let’s take a look at how Olivia has become a star in both gymnastics and social media.

How Did Olivia Dunne Become a Gymnastics Pro So Early?

Born on October 1, 2002, in Westwood, New Jersey, Olivia Dunne’s love affair with gymnastics started before most kids learn to tie their shoes. At just three years old, Olivia tumbled her way into the sport, training under coach Craig Zappa at ENA Gymnastics. It was clear early on that Olivia had something special. While other kids were playing outside, she was busy perfecting routines, showing a discipline far beyond her years.

By the time she was 14, Olivia was homeschooled to better accommodate her grueling training schedule. For Olivia, the sacrifices were worth it. Those early mornings in the gym and endless hours of conditioning, weren’t just investments in her career. They were laying the groundwork for a future superstar.

The Road to Elite Gymnastics

Dunne’s talent quickly caught attention. By her teenage years, she had already gained recognition in the gymnastics community, eventually securing a spot on the USA National Team. Competing at the elite level, Olivia had the chance to perform on the international stage, representing the U.S. with skill and confidence.

While some athletes might feel the pressure at a young age, Olivia thrived on it. Her commitment to gymnastics, along with her competitive drive, pushed her to succeed. But gymnastics can be tough on the body, and Olivia faced her share of injuries. Despite these setbacks, she always came back stronger, showing resilience and determination.

Key Achievements: Shining as an LSU Tiger

A major turning point in Olivia Dunne’s career came when she committed to Louisiana State University (LSU) and joined the LSU Tigers gymnastics team. For many elite gymnasts, competing in the NCAA offers a chance to continue their education while performing at a high level. In Olivia’s case, it also gave her a bigger stage to showcase her talent.

Since joining LSU, Olivia has become a standout performer. One of her top events is the uneven bars, where she has earned career-high scores of 9.925. Her floor exercise debut was equally impressive, with a score of 9.800. These achievements reflect her consistency and drive to push her limits.

Her comeback in 2024 was particularly remarkable, as she played a key role in leading LSU to their first-ever national gymnastics championship. In a sport often focused on individual achievement, Olivia’s contributions to her team’s success have cemented her status not only as an elite gymnast but also as a leader.

How Did Olivia Dunne Become a Social Media Star?

What truly sets Olivia Dunne apart from many other athletes is her ability to excel in not one, but two arenas: sports and social media. With over 10 million followers across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Olivia has carved out a space for herself as one of the most influential athletes online.

Her rise to social media stardom wasn’t accidental. Olivia is incredibly media-savvy, and she uses her platforms to share not only gymnastics-related content but also snippets of her life, fashion, and wellness tips. Fans love her relatable, down-to-earth posts, where she showcases the behind-the-scenes struggles and victories of being a college athlete. And let’s face it, her engaging personality combined with her fierce competitiveness and beauty have earned her legions of loyal followers.

But Olivia’s influence extends beyond just her fans. In 2021, the NCAA changed its rules to allow athletes to profit from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and Olivia has been one of the standout beneficiaries of this change. Brands line up to collaborate with her, seeing her not just as a talented gymnast but also as a highly marketable digital influencer. She has inked deals with brands like Vuori, American Eagle, and Forever 21, becoming a role model for young athletes looking to make their mark both in sports and in business.

What’s Behind Olivia Dunne’s Recent Multi-Million Dollar NIL Deal with Passes?

Olivia Dunnerecently signed a lucrative multi-million dollar NIL deal with Passes. Through this partnership, Dunne plans to give her followers a deeper look into her life as a college athlete, with live streams of her training sessions, personal Q&A chats, and behind the scenes moments. This move allows her to connect more closely with fans while turning her passion for gymnastics and content creation into a sustainable career.

Passes, which has selected Dunne as its first college athlete partner, aims to help athletes, especially women, build their personal brands and generate consistent income streams without relying solely on brand deals. The platform makes it easy for athletes to create content, engage with fans, and track their success using data-driven tools. With a low transaction fee and the option for instant payouts, Passes ensures that creators keep the majority of their earnings. For Dunne, this partnership is not only about growing her financial opportunities but also about inspiring other athletes, particularly women, to embrace entrepreneurship and take control of their own success in the world of NIL.

How Did Olivia Dunne Become a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model?

In 2023, Olivia added another title to her already impressive résumé: Sports Illustrated swimsuit model. This wasn’t just another achievement, it marked a major milestone in her career. By appearing in the iconic magazine, she joined a group of elite athletes who have shown that athleticism and beauty can go hand in hand.

For Olivia, this photoshoot was more than just about modeling. It was a statement that female athletes can be powerful, strong, and embrace their femininity at the same time. Her appearance in Sports Illustrated challenged outdated ideas about women in sports, proving that athletes don’t have to be confined to one role. Olivia’s feature sent an empowering message to young girls: you can be competitive, confident, and beautiful without having to choose between them.

Who is Olivia Dunne’s Boyfriend? 

Olivia Dunne, the dynamic LSU gymnast and social media influencer, is currently dating Paul Skenes, a talented baseball player who recently transferred to LSU from the University of Pittsburgh. Their relationship blossomed in 2023, capturing the interest of fans as they both navigate their impressive athletic careers.

Paul, known for his outstanding performance on the baseball diamond, is not only an exceptional athlete but also a supportive partner. Since their romance began, Olivia and Paul have been seen supporting each other at games and events, proving that they are not just a couple but also teammates in their respective sports. Fans are excited to see how their relationship continues to evolve as they pursue their dreams while cheering each other on.

RELATED: The Best Five Sports Moments of Olivia Dunne


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