Olivia Dunne Dismantles Troll Over Fifth Year at LSU, Highlights Gender Disparity in Athlete Criticism

Olivia Dunne, the LSU gymnastics sensation and social media icon, recently clapped back at a commenter on TikTok who questioned her decision to return for a fifth year of eligibility at Louisiana State University. Dunne, who boasts a massive online following and a lucrative NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) portfolio, didn’t mince words in her response, calling out the commenter’s ignorance and highlighting the gendered nature of the criticism she often faces.

Dunne’s fifth year is permissible due to the NCAA granting an extra year of eligibility to athletes who were competing during the COVID-19 pandemic, a situation affecting many collegiate athletes who entered college in 2020. Despite the established precedent and common practice of athletes utilizing this extra year, Dunne’s choice was met with negativity from at least one online troll.

The comment, which Dunne highlighted in a subsequent TikTok video, sarcastically suggested she would be a senior for the next decade. Dunne, known for her savvy online presence and willingness to engage with her audience, used the opportunity to address the broader issue of unwarranted criticism directed at female athletes.

In her video, Dunne articulated her frustration with the comment, stating, "I really don’t understand what’s so hard to get. I came to college in 2020, got granted a fifth year because of COVID and I came back for the fifth year. I only ever see this comment on female athletes’ posts. Why do you care if I come back for a fifth year and have another year of eligibility?"

Dunne further emphasized that she had relinquished her athletic scholarship to allow another gymnast the opportunity to receive funding. This selfless decision further demonstrates her commitment to her team and the advancement of opportunities for other female athletes.

To further illustrate the double standard, Dunne pointed to LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is also entering his fifth year with the Tigers after redshirting his freshman year. She noted that the same scrutiny and negative comments were noticeably absent from Nussmeier’s social media presence.

"Football and basketball players redshirt and take fifth years all the time," Dunne explained. "The starting quarterback of LSU football is coming back for a fifth year. This comment is nowhere to be found on his account."

Dunne’s point is clear: the criticism she receives is often rooted in sexism and a lack of understanding of the realities of college athletics. She argues that those who criticize her decision likely have never been college athletes themselves or truly appreciated the dedication and passion that drive athletes to compete.

Her response concludes with a direct and assertive message to the commenter: "People commenting stuff like this obviously were never a college athlete or never loved a sport. So, you’re not funny. Why do you care what I’m doing with my life? Please stop."

Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Dunne has become a prominent figure in the NIL landscape. She is currently the top-earning female athlete in the country and fourth overall, with an estimated valuation of $4.1 million, according to On3. Her success in securing partnerships and endorsements has made her a role model for other college athletes seeking to capitalize on their NIL rights.

Dunne has also taken steps to create opportunities for other female athletes. She launched "The Livvy Fund" in partnership with LSU’s official NIL collective. This fund is specifically aimed at empowering female athletes to create more NIL opportunities for themselves and emphasizes the importance of bringing NIL funds to women in college sports, addressing a persistent disparity in the field.

Despite her prominence and influence, Dunne has also spoken out about the challenges that come with social media fame. She revealed that the "frustrating" part of social media fame while competing in NCAA gymnastics is the constant attention and pressure to maintain a certain image.

On the competition front, Dunne has had a successful career at LSU. She was a 2024 WCGA All-American and appeared in nine meets for the Tigers, competing in the bars and floor events. During her time in college, she recorded a career-high 9.900 in the floor event at the Podium Challenge and in the NCAA Fayetteville regional second round. She also achieved a season-best 9.875 on the bars in a meet at the Podium Challenge.

However, Dunne’s senior year has been hampered by a knee injury. During the senior night celebration, she revealed that she would be unable to compete due to an avulsion fracture of her patella. She expressed her disappointment in an Instagram story, stating, "Hi friends! Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with an avulsion fracture of my patella and will not be able to compete on senior night. It absolutely breaks my heart to not get the opportunity to compete in the PMAC one last time. Tiger fans, you’ve been so good to me! Thank you for the endless support and as always Geaux Tigers! – Liv."

Despite her injury, Dunne’s impact on LSU gymnastics and the broader landscape of college athletics is undeniable. She has proven herself to be a talented athlete, a savvy businesswoman, and a powerful voice for gender equality in sports. Her willingness to confront criticism head-on and advocate for other female athletes has made her a role model for countless young women. While she may not be able to compete on senior night, her legacy at LSU will undoubtedly endure.