Livvy Dunne sidelined with Injury, Misses LSU Senior Night
Livvy Dunne, the immensely popular and highly accomplished gymnast for Louisiana State University (LSU), was unfortunately absent from her senior night competition this past Friday. The 22-year-old, a native of New Jersey, revealed on her Instagram account that she has sustained an avulsion fracture of her patella, an injury that prevented her from participating in the final home meet of the season.
The news was met with widespread disappointment among her legion of fans and supporters, who were eager to witness Dunne’s final performance at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, affectionately known as the PMAC. Dunne herself expressed her deep sadness at missing the opportunity, stating, "It absolutely breaks my heart not to get the opportunity to compete in the PMAC one last time."
Dunne has been sidelined since January 24, when she last competed against the University of Arkansas. Her absence has undoubtedly been felt by the LSU gymnastics team, which has relied on her exceptional talent and leadership throughout the season. However, there is a glimmer of hope that Dunne may be able to return to competition in time for the NCAA Championships next month.
While the exact timeline for her recovery remains uncertain, medical experts suggest that a typical recovery period for an avulsion fracture of the patella is at least three months, but it could potentially extend up to six months in some cases. The severity of the fracture and the individual’s healing process will ultimately determine the duration of her rehabilitation.
An avulsion fracture, as defined by the Cleveland Clinic, occurs when a small fragment of bone that is attached to a tendon or ligament is pulled away from the main body of the bone. This type of injury typically happens when there is a sudden, forceful contraction of the muscle that is connected to the tendon or ligament. In Dunne’s case, the avulsion fracture likely occurred during a gymnastics routine that involved a powerful leg movement.
Despite Dunne’s absence, the LSU gymnastics team put on a stellar performance at their final home meet of the season. The No. 2-ranked Tigers secured a commanding victory over No. 10 Georgia, with a final score of 198.575 to 197.175. The win capped off an impressive home season for LSU, who have consistently demonstrated their prowess as one of the top gymnastics programs in the nation.
Looking ahead, the Tigers are scheduled to compete at Auburn this Friday, followed by the SEC Championships on March 22. The team will then prepare for the national regionals, which will take place from April 2-6, before setting their sights on the NCAA Championships, which are slated to be held from April 17-19 in Fort Worth, Texas. Notably, LSU clinched the NCAA title last year, adding to the pressure of defending their crown this year.
Dunne had the option of foregoing her senior year of eligibility but decided to return for a fifth year, partially due to her considerable success as one of the NCAA’s top NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earners. Dunne boasts millions of followers across various social media platforms, making her a highly sought-after brand ambassador. Her presence has not only elevated the profile of LSU gymnastics but has also paved the way for other student-athletes to capitalize on their personal brands.
In addition to her athletic and entrepreneurial achievements, Dunne is also known for her relationship with LSU alum Paul Skenes, a promising pitcher who was named MLB’s National League Rookie of the Year in 2024. Skenes’ success on the baseball diamond has further cemented Dunne’s status as one of the most recognizable figures in college sports.
The LSU gymnastics team and Dunne’s fans are eagerly awaiting updates on her recovery progress. While her return to competition is not guaranteed, there is a strong desire to see her back on the mat, showcasing her exceptional talent and contributing to the team’s quest for another national championship.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Dunne and the LSU gymnastics team, as they navigate the challenges ahead with determination, resilience, and unwavering support for one another. The hope is that Dunne can make a swift recovery and rejoin her teammates in their pursuit of excellence on the national stage.
