Gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne has been notably absent from key competitions this season, raising questions about her status on the LSU team and latest appearance sparking widespread attention for all the wrong reasons as people question her commitment.
While injuries may have sidelined her from the mat, they have not kept her out of the spotlight as she headed to the Mardi Gras festival in a stunning green dress to serve as Grand Marshal of the Endymion Parade, a prestigious honor.
For the 22-year-old, it marked a historic moment as she became the first collegiate gymnast to hold the title, but while she embraced the role enthusiastically on March 1, the reception did not unfold exactly as she had envisioned.
On March 2, Dunne shared a TikTok video documenting her experience at Mardi Gras, where stood atop an open-float bus and greeted fans, tossing traditional beaded necklaces into the crowd.
“Craziest night of my life #mardigras #float #louisiana #nola,” Dunne captioned the upload, her excitement for the occasion shimmering through.
However, some fans were quick to critique her throwing technique as they suggest she may need some lessons from her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, a professional pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
One TikTok user commented, “Tell Paul to teach you throwing, the shape was awful ngl.” However, Dunne too the critic in stride and responded with honesty, admitting, “My arm is hanging today ngl.”
Long distance is Dunne’s latest obstacle to hurdle
The winter months offered a great chance for Dunne and Skenes to connect with each other and spend quality time. The MLB star wasn’t in the postseason and wasn’t in training, and likewise for the gymnastics ace, but that’s all about to change.
With the prodigious baseball talent currently in Spring Training for the Pirates and the LSU sensation trying to get back to gymnastics, the couple is poised for an extended period of separation.
As the season progresses, Dunne will have to juggle her competitive gymnastics commitments while maintaining a relationship with Skenes, who is expected to take on a more prominent role in the Pirates’ pitching rotation.
With both athletes balancing demanding schedules, their ability to navigate the challenges of long-distance will likely continue to be a topic of public interest.
Olivia Dunne’s Mother Stands Strong Amid Online Criticism
Gymnast and social media sensation Olivia Dunne has always had the backing of her family, particularly her mother, Katherine Dunne, who has stood by her through every triumph and challenge. Recently, Katherine once again came to her daughter’s defense after Olivia faced online criticism following her role as Grand Marshal in the 2025 Krewe of Endymion parade during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
However, after Olivia posted a video of the event on TikTok, she was met with some negative comments about her bead-throwing skills. One user remarked, “Tell Paul to teach you throwing, the shape was awful ngl.” Olivia, however, handled the criticism with grace, responding humorously, “My arm is hanging today ngl.”
Despite the lighthearted exchange, Katherine made sure to show her unwavering support for Olivia. She took to Instagram, sharing a carousel of family photos from the event with the caption, “First Mardi Gras did not disappoint .” Her words subtly yet powerfully dismissed the criticism, reinforcing her pride in her daughter’s accomplishments.
Katherine has never shied away from celebrating Olivia’s achievements, whether in gymnastics or her growing influence in women’s college sports. This latest instance was no exception, as she responded to negativity with an uplifting message that underscored her unwavering support for her daughter.
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Speaking to The Salt Lake Tribune, Katherine reflected on Olivia’s mission: “When Olivia started social media, she always wanted to try to bring more eyeballs to the sport of college gymnastics. It’s really gratifying for her to see the appetite for it grow and the audience grow more and more each year.”
She also emphasized the importance of the moment for women’s gymnastics, especially following an Olympic year, which often brings heightened interest in the sport: “I think it’s an important moment for women’s gymnastics. I think coming off of an Olympic year, there’s extra enthusiasm for the sport, and I think it will continue to give it the recognition that these women deserve.”
