Gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne clapped back at a critic this week after a comment mocked her for returning to LSU for a fifth and final season.
The troll’s remark, referencing her recent senior night celebrations, read: “Don’t worry, you’ll be a senior for the next 10 years.” Dunne responded directly with, “Why do you care?”
In a TikTok video shared with her 8 million followers, Dunne explained the reasoning behind her decision.
“I came to college in 2020, got granted a fifth-year because of COVID, and returned for the fifth year,” Dunne said. “I only see this comment on female athletes’ posts, and why do you care if I come back for a fifth year and have another year of eligibility? Like, why do you care?”
The 22-year-old gymnast, who helped LSU secure a national championship last season, pointed out that football and basketball players frequently take red-shirt years or extend their eligibility without backlash.
@livvy Replying to @Clayton Bigsby yall look ridiculous #foryou #college #gymnastics #ncaa #senior
♬ original sound – Olivia Dunne
“The starting quarterback of LSU, Garrett Nussmeier, is coming back for a fifth year, and this comment is nowhere to be found on his account,” Dunne added.
Dunne also addressed critics who labeled her return as “greedy,” clarifying that she gave up her scholarship to allow another athlete the opportunity.
“To the people saying it’s greedy to come back, I gave up my scholarship to somebody else so I can come back. So please stop, thank you,” she stated.
Dunne’s decision to return followed LSU’s NCAA championship win in April 2024, an achievement that reignited her passion for the sport.
“It was so exciting for our team and the whole university. And that’s a feeling I want to feel again,” Dunne told The Post in September. “I’ve found love, my love for the sport again last year. So that’s one of the main reasons I wanted to return.”
The No. 2-ranked Lady Tigers celebrated Dunne and her fellow seniors during last Friday’s victory over No. 10 Georgia. However, Dunne revealed before the meet that she would not compete due to a knee injury.
“Unfortunately I’ve been dealing with an avulsion fracture of my patella and will not be able to compete on senior night,” Dunne shared on Instagram.
It’s a heart not to 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.”
In recent years, Dunne has become a standout figure beyond gymnastics. With an estimated NIL valuation of $4.1 million (via On3 Sports), Dunne has secured lucrative brand deals, appeared as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, and is currently dating Pirates pitcher and NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes.
