LSU’s Livvy Dunne Announces Retirement from Gymnastics, Shifts Focus to Business and Life Beyond the Mat
By Staff Writer
Baton Rouge, LA — Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, one of the most prominent names in collegiate athletics and a trailblazer in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, has officially announced her retirement from gymnastics. The LSU standout shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “✌️out gymnastics it’s been real… and of course forever LSU!💜”
Dunne, 21, became a household name through a combination of athletic achievement, social media stardom, and business savvy. With an estimated NIL valuation of $4.1 million, she ranked 4th among all college athletes and held the top spot among female earners. Her influence extended beyond her personal brand — she also launched the Livvy Fund, a collective aimed at supporting fellow female athletes at LSU in navigating and maximizing NIL opportunities.
While she leaves competitive gymnastics behind, Dunne’s future appears brighter than ever. In a recent interview with People magazine, she shared that she has a number of business opportunities in the works and is looking forward to spending more time with her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, a rising star pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Dunne’s impact on the sport, especially in the realm of NIL, has been widely praised. She helped usher in a new era where female college athletes could harness their visibility for financial and professional gain.
“Livvy didn’t just flip and tumble — she changed the game,” said one fan online. “She’s a role model for so many young athletes.”
Though her routines will no longer grace the competition floor, her presence will continue to be felt throughout the worlds of sports, media, and business.
