Olivia Dunn Reflects on Injuries and Gymnastics Journey

Olivia Dunn, a former gymnast for the LSU Tigers, recently shared her experiences with serious injuries that ultimately derailed her dream of competing in the Olympics.

Hailing from New Jersey, Dunn began her journey in gymnastics in 2014. She quickly progressed, making it onto the national team and advancing to the senior elite level before deciding to commit to LSU. Over time, she achieved national championships with the program but faced significant challenges as her college career came to an end.

In an appearance on “What’s your story? With Stephanie McMahon,” Dunn revealed the severity of her injuries, particularly one from 2018. She described competing at the USA Championships with a damaged ankle. “Some of the ankle bones… well, they died. I thought it was healed, but it was painful. It was my first serious injury,” she explained.

Interestingly, she mentioned that she had never undergone surgery and felt a strong sense of pride in that. “I think if I give myself the necessary time to heal, I can do it without surgery,” she added, reflecting on her resilience.

Despite struggling with her injuries, Dunn managed to compete at LSU until they ultimately impacted her final year. She’s garnered immense popularity on social media, boasting over 8 million followers on TikTok and 5.4 million on Instagram. In 2024, she helped lead the Tigers to a national championship, yet her last year at LSU was marred by setbacks related to her health.

Now, Dunn is cheering on her boyfriend, Paul Skens, as she adjusts to life outside of competition.