"I was on U.S.A. national team..it was the hardest year of my life" - Olivia Dunne opens up on her decision to step away from elite gymnastics

While Olivia Dunne is among one of the top gymnasts in the NCAA, she doesn't compete in elite gymnastics unlike most of the other college athletes. In a recent interview, the NCAA champion explained her decision to step away from the elite, citing injuries and health concerns as the major reason.

Dunne started her gymnastics training when she was around three years of age. She didn't attend school and was enrolled in the ENA Gymnastics Club while her mother homeschooled her.

The 22-year-old made her junior elite debut at the 2014 American Classic, finishing 28th in the all-around competition. She made her first junior national team in 2017, representing the USA at the City of Jesolo Trophy where she finished an impressive fifth in the all-around.

Reflecting on her time in the national team in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, she said:

“I was on the U.S.A. national team when I was 14 years old, and that was probably one of the biggest honors. But it was definitely one of the hardest years of my life.”

Dunne made her senior elite debut in 2018, but a series of injuries meant she was out of the competition for the most part. While she signed the letter of intent with LSU in 2019 and made a few appearances in elite afterward, the 21-year-old completely stepped away after starting her college in the 2020-21 season.

Explaining her decision to step away, the 21-year-old added:

"I was dealing with some injuries, and I had a full ride to LSU, which I’m so grateful for. I just decided, why not be healthy, go to school and enjoy the college ... and gymnastics.”

Dunne also revealed that she idolized former Olympic gold medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman during her childhood.

---

Olivia Dunne opens up on her plans after finishing her collegiate career at LSU

2024 LSU Archive - Olivia Dunne poses for the camera (Source: Getty)

Olivia Dunne is in her fifth and final year with the LSU Tigers and while she will have her eyes set on the NCAA Gymnastics Championships, the 22-year-old hopes to work for other college athletes after her time with the Tigers is over.

Speaking in an exclusive with the New York Post in September this year, Dunne said:

"I definitely want to do something [in NIL] overall, after I’m done at LSU. And hopefully expand beyond LSU and help educate people and just help girls out. . . . I’ve always loved sports. So definitely something in the sports realm.”

Olivia Dunne has already started 'The Livvy Fund', an initiative that helps female athletes in getting NIL deals.