For one of the most recognizable faces in college athletes over the past five years, Livvy Dunne is now stepping into a new era and officially closing the door on her gymnastics career for good.
As the gymnastics icon takes advantage of all of the amazing opportunities at her disposal, from a love story with MLB star Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, to opportunities in Hollywood on the set of “Baywatch” and other franchies, Dunne is stepping away from the discipline which gave her the entry into global fame that she now enjoys. In an emotional message, she has announced her retirement from the sport along with her gratitude for the coaches, teammates, and fans who encouraged her along the way.
Livvy Dunne Established a Career That Redefined College Gymnastics
GettySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – JANUARY 06: Olivia Dunne of LSU looks on after a PAC-12 meet against Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Before stepping away from the sport in her official announcement, Livvy Dunne built one of the most unique and innovative careers in modern gymnastics. A former U.S. junior national team member in 2017, she transitioned into a standout collegiate athlete while a student-athlete at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where she competed from 2020 through 2025.
GettyAUBURN, AL – FEBRUARY 10: Olivia Dunne of LSU warms up on the uneven bars during a gymnastics meet against Auburn at Neville Arena on February 10, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Stew Milne/Getty Images)
Livvy Dunne’s impact in the gymnastics world went beyond her scores at competitions. While she consistently delivered strong routines, particularly on uneven bars and floor, she became a defining figure of the NCAA’s NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era with her advocacy for more opportunities to be afforded to collegiate athletes in the day of social media.
In her official retirement announcement from the sport, Dunne captioned her social media post saying, “[Peace out] gymnastics, it’s been real… and of course forever LSU!”
Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne are a Modern Sports Power Couple
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne attend Michael Rubin’s 2025 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at The Sugar Mill on February 08, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Fanatics)
Now, at just 23-years-old, Livvy Dunne’s story is already multifaceted and more impressive than many people can fathom. She’s been an elite gymnast, social media star, business figure, and now she’s an aspiring actress who is about to debut in a big name franchise with her role in the upcoming “Baywatch” revival. With her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, by her side and a growing resume that doesn’t seem likely to slow down any time soon, she is entering a phase that may ultimately eclipse even her success in gymnastics.
Just because she’s officially closing one door by retiring from gymnastics doesn’t mean that she’ll lose out on any of life’s excitement to come. If Dunne’s career so far is any indication, this next chapter is only just the beginning!
Paul Skenes’ Girlfriend, Livvy Dunne, Officially Retires From Gymnastics With Emotional Farewell Message