News Summary
On March 1, 2025, New Orleans hosted the Krewe of Endymion parade where LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, despite a knee injury, served as the Grand Marshal. Although unable to compete in her last home meet due to an avulsion fracture, Olivia reflected on her impactful gymnastics journey at LSU and her advocacy for female athletes through The Livvy Fund. She continues to inspire others and plans to expand her efforts in supporting women in sports.
New Orleans Celebrates as Olivia Dunne Shines, Despite Setbacks
New Orleans, LA – On March 1, 2025, the vibrant streets of New Orleans lit up with the annual Krewe of Endymion parade, and this year, a special guest stole the spotlight. None other than Olivia Dunne, the beloved gymnast from LSU and a rising social media star, served as the Grand Marshal.
A Night of Joy Amidst Challenges
Olivia, although dealing with a painful knee injury, didn’t let that dampen her spirits. She was seen cheering from the sidelines, full of encouragement and smiles, as her teammates prepared to take the mat for their final home dual meet against Georgia on March 7, 2025. Attending the parade was a perfect way to showcase her unwavering support for her school while wearing a leg brace, reminding everyone of her resilience.
However, *heartbreak* loomed over this special season as Olivia was unable to compete in her last home meet at the iconic Pete Maravich Assembly Center due to an avulsion fracture of her patella. This injury was a heavy blow as Olivia announced the unfortunate news on Instagram, expressing just how much it hurt her to miss the chance to perform one last time in front of her loyal fans.
Reflecting on a Stellar Career
Despite only being able to compete seven times in the 2025 season, Olivia reflected on her gymnastics journey and the decision to return for a fifth year at LSU without any regrets. This season, she made her mark with a record-breaking victory against Georgia, where the team scored an impressive 198.575 to 197.175. Such performances undoubtedly solidified her legacy at the university.
What’s more, Olivia has truly made an impact beyond the gymnastics arena. She has become a passionate advocate for women’s sports, raising awareness about crucial issues like revenue sharing for college athletes and necessary changes to gymnastics scoring systems. Her advocacy does not stop there; Olivia launched The Livvy Fund, designed to assist fellow female college athletes in securing Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Expanding Her Vision
With dreams of taking The Livvy Fund nationwide, Olivia plans to broaden its reach, helping female athletes across the country, underscoring her commitment to empowering women in sports. As she looks ahead, she is excited about attending the prestigious Kentucky Derby in May 2025 and continuing her collaboration with Sports Illustrated.
Finding Strength in Community
In light of her journey, Olivia also shed light on the double standards faced by male and female athletes regarding additional years of eligibility. She highlighted how male athletes are often celebrated for taking a fifth year, while female athletes face criticism for the same choices. This disparity is something Olivia feels strongly about, aiming to change these narratives.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Olivia Dunne may have missed her final competition at LSU, but her spirit, passion, and dreams continue to shine bright, reflecting a true champion both on and off the mat.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Livvy Dunne Confronts Online Criticism as She Returns to LSU
LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Responds to Critics Over Fifth Year
Olivia Dunne’s Journey: Injury and Backlash at LSU
Upcoming High School Match: Captain Shreve vs. Carencro
Leadership Changes at LSU: A New Era Begins
Mizzou Gymnastics Impresses in Narrow Loss to LSU
LSU Gymnast Olivia Dunne Spearheads Opposition to NCAA Settlement
University Researchers Reveal Breakthrough in Alzheimer’s Treatment
Additional Resources
- LSU Reveille
- NOLA.com
- New York Post
- E! Online
- Sports Illustrated
- Wikipedia: Olivia Dunne
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Olivia Dunne
