"I know that it could be my last"- Olivia Dunne gives an honest opinion about her approach as she competes in her final NCAA season for LSU

Olivia Dunne spoke about her mindset and approach, as she made her NCAA season debut in her final year as a student-athlete for LSU. The American gymnast expressed that she hoped to make the best out of her time in her last season as well as wanted to enjoy her time with her teammates as LSU gears up to defend their NCAA title.

Dunne returned to LSU for a fifth year as an NCAA athlete after several uncertainties about the gymnastics future, post the conclusion of the 2023-24 NCAA season. The 22-year-old made her first appearance of 2024 as the LSU Tigers competed against Iowa State. She participated in two events and scored 9.875 points on the floor routine and 9.825 points on the balance beam.

The American gymnast, who is one of the highest-paid NCAA athletes via the NIL (Name, Image and Likeliness) policy, spoke about her performance and approach as she competes in her final NCAA season. She revealed how she felt that the decision to return to LSU was the best and looked forward to enjoying her time with the team.

"The best way I can describe it is, I had a blast and it was a complete joy. The decision to come back was the best decision that I have ever made. I have to sieze every moment because I know that it could be my last. It is my last year of eligibility and I just really want to make the best of it and have the best time with this group of girls because we are never going to get this team back, we're a special group of girls."

Olivia Dunne on returning to LSU for a fifth year

Olivia Dunne competes on the floor during Iowa State v LSU - Source: Getty

Olivia Dunne took to Instagram to share her thoughts about returning to LSU for a fifth year. The American gymnast expressed her elation on donning the purple LSU colors, as well as performing for the massive crowd that supports the team.

Furthermore, Dunne expressed that the coach's motivating attitude and the ability to push all the gymnasts to the best of their abilities is a factor that played an important role in her decision.

"These past four years have changed my life. There’s something about putting on a purple and gold leotard. There’s something about competing in front of 13,000 screaming Tiger fans. There’s something about being pushed by your coaches to do your very best. And there’s something about being part of a team that made school history," she said

"No matter how many opportunities come my way off the mat, there’s just something about LSU. And that’s why I’m here to say, I’m not Dunne yet. Here’s to Year Five, baby," she added.

Furthermore, Olivia Dunne expressed her excitement for being a part of the iconic program once again as LSU aims to defend its NCAA title.