Livvy Dunne hints she may NOT return to LSU for a fifth year
After winning the NCAA title with the LSU gymnastics team, Olivia Dunne remains uncertain about her future with the Tigers.
Over the weekend, LSU historically brought home its first national title in gymnastics in thrilling fashion in Forth Worth, Texas. The Tigers barely edged second-placed Berkley after junior Aleah Finnegan scored a 9.95 as their final performer on the beam.
Although an injury limited her participation in the championships, Dunne joined the celebration after playing an important role all season. Despite being part of a historic team, Dunne is still unsure about returning to Baton Rouge for a fifth year.
'It definitely makes me want to come back, but I haven't quite thought about it completely,' Dunne told TODAY. 'I've just been focused on the now and winning this national title, so I'll definitely start thinking about it.'
While Dunne has competed with LSU for four years and will graduate in May, she has a year of college eligibility left due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Olivia Dunne hinted that she may not return to LSU for a fifth year after winning the NCAA title
Dunne and the Tigers brought home their first gymnastics national title in thrilling fashion
With over 7 million followers on TikTok and 5 million on Instagram, Dunne earns an estimated $3.5m annually through NIL deals. With her growing popularity, Dunne has also scored covers on Elle and Sports Illustrated.
Much of Dunne's social media notoriety came from TikTok and may be in jeopardy with the app potentially getting banned in the United States. However, Dunne admitted she had not put much thought into the possible ban as she channeled much of her focus into winning the national title.
'If I'm being honest, I didn't quite know that TikTok was going to get banned,' Dunne said. 'I've just been training every day in the gym and just working on my gymnastics and doing what I love, and that's what I love to focus on. I haven't really thought about it too much.'
When asked about the championship feeling, Dunne admitted that she is still recovering from the celebrations.
Aleah Finnegan's 9.95 beam routine helped LSU edge Berkley and secure the championship
The social media star has one more year of college eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic
'You know what, it is still feeling just unreal,' Dunne shared. 'I'm still trying to get my voice back from cheering so loud. It was an unforgettable experience, and I'll probably be thinking about it for the rest of my life.'
Additionally, Dunne praised her teammate Finnegan for sealing the victory for the Tigers.
'I had so much confidence in Aleah and her abilities,' Dunne shared. 'I see what she does in the gym every day and I knew that was exactly what she was gonna execute in her routine.'
'It was probably one of the best beam routines I have seen her do. Tears fell [down] my eyes. Tears fell [down] Tigers fans' eyes. It was amazing.'