Will Livvy Dunne compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics?

By Jayson Panganiban February 20, 2024 02:56

Photo by Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Olivia Dunne, a prominent gymnast and influencer, has garnered significant attention due to her social media presence, endorsement deals, and athletic achievements. As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, there is speculation about her potential participation. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of various factors that may influence Livvy Dunne's participation in the upcoming Olympics, including her current athletic performance, previous Olympic achievements, potential obstacles, and the overall likelihood of her competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Livvy Dunne's Current Athletic Performance

Olivia Dunne, a junior at LSU, has demonstrated her gymnastics prowess, highlighted by her recent return to competition at Alabama, where she scored 9.825 on an uneven bars routine, contributing to LSU's victory in the meet. Her success as an influencer has also contributed to her widespread popularity, with a social media following estimated at around 7 million on TikTok and over 3 million on Instagram. Dunne's influential presence on social media has begun to overshadow her athletic career, reflecting the multifaceted nature of her public persona.

Previous Olympic Achievements and Obstacles

Olivia Dunne's journey as an elite gymnast once harbored an Olympic dream. However, her decision to join LSU marked a pivotal shift in her career trajectory, leading to her sidelining the Paris Olympics 2024. In an interview, Dunne revealed that her Olympic dream "has died," attributing this to an injury she sustained at the age of 15-16, which led her to reevaluate her athletic pursuits. Additionally, she expressed criticism of the elite gymnastics program, shedding light on potential challenges and disillusionment within the competitive gymnastics sphere.

Qualifications for the 2024 Paris Olympics

While Dunne was not part of the US national squad at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, her current athletic endeavors and potential for future competitions indicate her ongoing dedication to gymnastics. However, it is important to note that she is not expected to contend for a spot at the 2024 Games in Paris. This suggests that she may not meet the qualifications or be actively pursuing selection for the Olympic team, further influencing the likelihood of her participation.

Likelihood of Competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics

Given the combination of Dunne's injury-related experiences, her decision to prioritize collegiate gymnastics, and her absence from the US national squad at recent Olympics, the likelihood of her competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics appears low. While her impact as an influencer and athlete remains substantial, her focus on collegiate competitions and her public statements about her Olympic dream indicate a shift in her athletic aspirations.

Olivia Dunne's journey as a gymnast and influencer has been marked by notable achievements, challenges, and a shift in her athletic priorities. The complex interplay between her social media presence, endorsement deals, collegiate gymnastics career, and personal experiences underscores the multifaceted nature of her public image and athletic pursuits. While her recent return to competition showcases her ongoing dedication to gymnastics, various factors suggest that her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics may be unlikely, reflecting the evolving trajectory of her athletic journey.