Livvy Dunne, the star gymnast and social media sensation, appears to have said goodbye to her gymnastics career after LSU’s unfortunate exit from the national championship on Thursday night.
The Tigers fell short in their bid to secure a second consecutive NCAA title, finishing third in the semifinals.
For Dunne, this loss marked the end of her time competing in a leotard, a moment she acknowledged in a heartfelt farewell on social media.
LSU’s Close Call and Dunne’s Farewell Message
Dunne, who has been a household name both in the gymnastics world and across social media platforms, posted an emotional message after LSU’s 2-0 setback.
The 22-year-old wrote, “out gymnastics it’s been real… and of course forever LSU!” Her words echoed her deep connection to the sport and her team, as she shared a tribute to her gymnastics journey and her college years with LSU.
The social media post came just after LSU, the defending champions and top seed, fell to Utah and UCLA in the national semifinals.
A Disappointing End to a Roller-Coaster Season for LSU
LSU, with hopes of a repeat championship, started strong with a lead of 197.5250 but fell behind after a series of missteps in the uneven bars and beam routines.
Despite some stellar individual performances, including a stellar 9.975 vault score by freshman Kailin Chio, LSU couldn’t recover from its earlier mistakes.
Emma Malabuyo of UCLA secured the final blow for the Tigers, clinching her team’s spot in the championship with a solid beam performance.
Dunne’s Injury and Her Support for the Team
Dunne was not part of the lineup for the Tigers in the semifinal after a heartbreaking injury.
A month ago, she sustained an avulsion fracture in her kneecap, sidelining her for the rest of the season.
Although unable to compete, she still attended the meet in Fort Worth to support her teammates.
Her dedication to her team, despite not being able to perform, showcased her resilience and leadership.
A College Career Filled with Triumph and Challenges
Dunne’s college career was nothing short of legendary. Her return for a fifth year was fueled by LSU’s national championship win in 2024, an achievement that helped solidify her decision to return for one final season.
During her time at LSU, Dunne not only helped the team win their first-ever national championship but also became a massive social media influencer.
With over 5 million Instagram followers and 8 million on TikTok, Dunne’s fame transcended the gymnastics world.
Her impressive social media presence has contributed to her status as the highest-paid female athlete in college sports, with an estimated net worth of $10 million.
What’s Next for Dunne: A Bright Future Beyond Gymnastics
Though her gymnastics career may be over, Dunne’s future is filled with high-profile opportunities.
She has already worked with major brands, appearing in commercials, including one with NFL star Travis Kelce for an energy drink.
Additionally, she posed for the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, solidifying her place in the spotlight.
Moreover, Dunne has been vocal about issues affecting college athletes, including her testimony against a landmark lawsuit settlement involving the NCAA and major conferences.
As the highest-earning female athlete since the introduction of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) rights, she expressed dissatisfaction with the estimated value of her NIL, arguing that the current settlement undervalues her earning potential.
A New Chapter for Dunne
As Dunne steps away from competitive gymnastics, she is already looking forward to the next chapter.
Her career in the spotlight is far from over, and with her entrepreneurial spirit and massive following, Dunne’s influence is sure to expand.
Her future holds countless opportunities, both in and out of the sports world, and her legacy in gymnastics, social media, and business is just beginning to unfold.