Olivia Dunne may not be the most accomplished gymnast in America, but the 20-year-old from New Jersey has become a social media sensation with her impressive moves on TikTok and Instagram. Dunne, who has 3.7 million followers on Instagram and 7.2 million followers on TikTok, has become one of the biggest names in American gymnastics. She attends Louisiana State University on a full athletic scholarship, where she is the highest-paid female college athlete in the United States. With an estimated net worth of $2.3 million, she reportedly earns seven figures in endorsement deals every year. Her social media posts are so popular that each one is worth $31,000, according to industry analyst On3.
However, Dunne’s online fame has been met with both positive and negative reactions. Many of her fans are teenage boys who are not necessarily gymnastics enthusiasts, and this has led to concerns about the impact of Dunne’s popularity on the culture of gymnastics. Some fear that the objectification of Dunne and the fetishization of her appearance by her young male fans could have a toxic effect on the sport. But Dunne wants to use her platform to promote female athletes and help them profit from their own image and likeness. In a recent interview with People magazine, she expressed her desire to show that opportunities for men and women in NCAA sports should be equal.
Dunne’s gymnastics skills are still impressive, however, and she has had a successful career in the sport so far. She began practicing gymnastics at age three and has competed in state, regional, and national competitions. She attended rigorous training camps during her childhood summers and has honed her social media skills since the age of 10. Dunne has even mastered the art of posting non-gymnastics-related content, including saucy selfies that drive her fans wild.
Although she missed some competitions due to injury, Dunne recently returned to compete with the LSU Tigers. When she attends practices or meets, it makes tabloid headlines and attracts droves of fans armed with lifesize Dunne cutouts. While the attention is flattering, it can also be overwhelming, and Dunne has urged her fans to be respectful of other gymnasts and the gymnastics community. Despite the ups and downs of her online fame, Dunne remains committed to promoting female athletes and helping them capitalize on their talents.