LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne announced that she will miss her final home meet due to a knee injury, raising concerns that her college gymnastics career could be over.
The 22-year-old senior, who last competed on January 24 during LSU’s meet at Arkansas, shared the news on Instagram Thursday night, revealing that she has been dealing with an avulsion fracture of her patella (kneecap).
“Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with an avulsion fracture of my patella (kneecap) and will not be able to compete on senior night,” Dunne wrote.
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“It absolutely breaks my heart to not get the opportunity to compete in the PMAC one last time. Tiger fans, you’ve been so good to me! Thank you for the endless support and as always, Geaux Tigers!”
Dunne’s absence from Friday’s meet against Georgia means she will likely watch from the stands at Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) as LSU competes in its final home meet of the season.
LSU has one more regular-season meet against Auburn in Alabama next Friday before the team moves on to championship competitions.
Despite the serious nature of her knee injury, Dunne has only ruled herself out of Friday’s meet for now.
However, given the recovery time typically needed for an avulsion fracture, there is uncertainty about whether she will compete again this season.
If Dunne has competed for LSU for the final time, her future outside of gymnastics remains wide open.
The social media star has built an enormous online following, with 5.3 million Instagram followers and 8 million on TikTok.
She has already taken advantage of lucrative Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, reportedly amassing a net worth of around $6 million before even finishing college.
Dunne has starred in high-profile commercials, including an energy drink ad with NFL star Travis Kelce, and she was featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
Additionally, she is dating Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who is regarded as one of MLB’s top young talents after a standout rookie season.
Just days before revealing her injury, Dunne was celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans, where she served as Grand Marshal for the 2025 Krewe of Endymion parade on Saturday, February 17.
Endymion is one of the largest Mardi Gras parades, with over 3,000 riders making their way through New Orleans before Fat Tuesday.
Dunne shared a video of herself on a parade float, tossing out beads to cheering crowds along the Crescent City’s route.
Dunne had the option to return to LSU for a fifth year, which she chose due to NCAA eligibility extensions granted because of COVID-19.
Last season, she was part of the LSU team that won the first national championship in program history—a factor that influenced her decision to return.
In a February interview with ESPN, Dunne reflected on her final year of college gymnastics, saying:
“I’m just trying to seize every opportunity and make the most of it and make those memories.”
“The travel meets are some of the best memories you’ll have when you’re a college athlete and being with the girls on the team. Even just practice every day is special. These are my sisters, and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
As Dunne navigates her injury recovery, the focus now shifts to whether she will have one last opportunity to compete before the season ends.
Regardless of her status on the mat, her influence in sports and media is expected to continue growing.
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