Categories: College University Athletics

Livvy Dunne Confronts Online Criticism as She Returns to LSU

Gymnastics athletes practicing together at LSU

News Summary

Gymnastics star Livvy Dunne is back for a fifth year at LSU despite facing online trolls questioning her choice. With clarity, she addresses misconceptions about female athletes’ eligibility. Dunne also highlights her recent scholarship decision to benefit another athlete while expressing her dedication to the sport and university community, demonstrating resilience against negativity and focusing on her athletic journey and future goals.

Livvy Dunne Stands Strong Against Online Naysayers

In the lively city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, gymnastics star Livvy Dunne is making headlines once again, and this time it’s not just for her impressive skills on the mat. The 22-year-old athlete is defending her decision to return to Louisiana State University (LSU) for a fifth year amid a wave of online criticism from trolls. It seems some social media users just can’t resist throwing shade at her choice, but Dunne isn’t backing down.

Responding to Critics on Social Media

On March 11, Dunne took to TikTok in a spirited video to address the naysayers who questioned her return, particularly one particular comment that joked about her being a senior for “the next 10 years.” It’s clear that this athlete is not one to take things lying down. With a mix of clarity and confidence, she pointed out that she originally enrolled in college back in 2020 and, like many athletes during the pandemic, received an extra year of eligibility due to COVID-19. This seemingly simple explanation was met with skepticism from some party poopers online.

Why the Concern About Her Return?

Dunne had a pretty interesting question for her critics: “Why do you care if I come back?” This query prompts some deeper reflection about how society perceives female athletes. In her video, she highlighted an obvious disparity in comments regarding extended college eligibility. It appears that while female athletes face considerable scrutiny, their male counterparts—like the quarterback of the LSU football team—aren’t under similar attack for making similar choices. With her sharp observation, Dunne pointed out the unfairness and double standards that exist in the world of sports.

Challenging Misconceptions

The social media backlash extends to comments labeling her as “greedy” for returning, a claim that Dunne swiftly dismissed. In a twist that reflects her character, she has given up her scholarship to make room for another deserving athlete to take her spot. It’s a selfless move that demonstrates her love for the sport and the collegiate community.

A Tough Injury to Overcome

To add to the narrative, Dunne recently faced a setback when she had to sit out of the Tigers’ final home meet on March 6 due to a knee injury. The disappointment of missing out on her last home performance was palpable, and she shared those feelings on her Instagram. It wasn’t just about competing; it was about wearing those LSU colors and celebrating this memorable milestone in front of her fans.

The Future of Livvy Dunne

Looking ahead, Dunne announced her intention to continue competing at LSU in July 2024, declaring that she is “not Dunne yet.” Her love for gymnastics and the school spirit shines through, making it clear that there is more to her journey than just the trolls’ criticism. She draws inspiration not only from her coaches but also from being part of the historic team that has entered the record books.

NIL Valuation on the Rise

Livvy Dunne also has a remarkable presence off the mat with a significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuation, which has climbed to approximately four-point-two million dollars as of January, marking an increase from three-point-nine million dollars the previous August. This impressive figure reflects not only her talent as a gymnast but also her appeal as a public figure in the ever-growing realm of college athletics.

As the dust settles on her return for another year, Livvy Dunne is proving that she stands strong against the hordes of online trolls. Instead of allowing negativity to hinder her, she’s focused on the love of the sport, the excitement of competing, and all the potential future victories that lie ahead.