Livvy Dunne, the LSU gymnastics star who helped bring unprecedented visibility to college gymnastics and became a trailblazer in the NIL era, announced her retirement last week. In an emotional farewell video, the 21-year-old broke down in tears as she reflected on a journey that began when she was just a toddler and ended in Tiger purple and gold.
Though long expected to retire after her fifth season at LSU, the reality of the moment clearly hit hard for Dunne. In a special video produced by LSU, she looked back on the moments that defined her career-moments that not only made her a college standout, but a social media icon.
“Time flies when you’re having fun,” Dunne says at the beginning of the video. “Something said when you’re enjoying yourself to the point time seems to slip away from you. And that’s exactly how the past 20 years in this sport have felt.”
A career defined by passion
Dunne’s voice cracks with emotion as she details the ups and downs, from making the USA national team to representing LSU on the biggest collegiate stage.
“The highs, the lows, making the USA national team and competing for our country, every risk was worth the reward,” she reflected. “Finishing my career over the past five years at the best university in the world has been an incredible journey, and I’m forever grateful.”
The 21-year-old, who gained an additional year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, used her time in Baton Rouge not only to compete but to redefine what it means to be a collegiate athlete in the digital age.
With millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram, Dunne helped usher in a new era where student-athletes could capitalize on their brand-and she did it better than most, becoming one of the top earners of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.
“Gymnastics, you have filled my heart and shaped a part of me,” she continued in the video. “You’ve shaped me into the person I am today, creating memories and sisterhoods that will last a lifetime. You are my first love.
“To my family, especially my parents, thank you for everything, for supporting me through it all. And to my childhood coaches from New Jersey and the LSU coaching staff, thank you for pushing me to be great.”
Read the full article here
