Livvy Dunne’s gymnastics career has officially come to an end, and fans are feeling all kinds of emotions.
After LSU finished third in the NCAA semifinals on April 17, Dunne – who couldn’t compete due to a knee injury – shared a bittersweet goodbye on social media. “✌️ out gymnastics it’s been real… and of course forever LSU!” she posted, closing out her five-year college gymnastics run with heartfelt appreciation for her team and school.
The 22-year-old gymnastics star had been dealing with an avulsion fracture in her kneecap since early March, which ultimately kept her from joining her team in what would’ve been her final competition. It was a tough break, literally, especially since Dunne had told PEOPLE just weeks earlier that she was doing everything she could to heal in time. She explained that her fracture came from overuse, which is rare for that type of injury. “Really the only thing I need is time for it to heal,” she said. Sadly, time ran out before the championship meet.
Even though she didn’t compete this time, Dunne’s impact on LSU gymnastics is huge. She helped the team win a national title in 2024 and became one of the most recognizable names in college sports. On top of that, she was a major figure in the NCAA’s Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) movement.
Once the rules changed in 2021, Dunne’s social media following and brand deals took off. By 2023, she was the top-earning NCAA female athlete, with an estimated net worth of $3.5 million. Her popularity brought major attention to the sport and helped reshape what it means to be a student-athlete.
With the gymnastics chapter now closed, in her interview, Dunne has her sights set on a new chapter – one that includes some well-earned rest and more quality time with her boyfriend, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes. “I’m super excited to be able to spend time with Paul,” she told PEOPLE. “I’ve always had to train during my summers… so to be able to not have to do gymnastics training and be able to spend more time in Pittsburgh with Paul enjoying the baseball season, I’m looking forward to that.”
Fans flooded her goodbye posts with love and support, thanking her for the memories and wishing her the best for what comes next. Whether it’s modeling, media, entrepreneurship, or something totally unexpected, Livvy Dunne has already proven she’s got what it takes to thrive far beyond the mat. Her time in gymnastics might be done, but her spotlight is definitely not fading anytime soon.
