Olivia Dunne Excels In LSU Opener At NCAA Gymnastics Championship

Olivia Dunne expressed her enthusiasm for the triumph on Instagram, sharing her joy and celebrating the victory with her 4.7 followers!

The 21-year-old senior athlete has kicked off the 2024 NCAA Gymnastics Championship with remarkable success. Following the Tigers' triumph over Ohio State in their season opener, with a score of 196.975-196.775, Dunne took to Instagram to share her excitement.

Captioning a selfie seemingly taken in the Tigers' dressing room, Dunne conveyed her affection for "meet szn," marking the commencement of meet season in the NCAA Gymnastics Championship.

Making her season floor debut, Dunne delivered an impressive performance, earning a noteworthy score of 9.875. This early success sets a promising tone for the gymnast and the LSU gymnastics team in the championship.

Ranked at No. 3, the Tigers encountered formidable competition from the No. 14 Buckeyes, and Dunne's pivotal contribution played a crucial role in securing their victory.

LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark commended the team's resilience and fighting spirit, recognizing their performance against a tough opponent.

Dunne had eagerly anticipated LSU's season opener. Just last week, she shared action shots on Instagram, expressing her anticipation by stating, "There is business to be stood on," accompanied by the hashtag "meet week Monday."

These glimpses into Dunne's mindset and the team's dedication underscore the determination and focus as they navigate the challenges of the gymnastics season.

Beyond the gymnastics mat, Dunne has had a remarkable year. Boasting a massive following of over 12 million on Instagram and TikTok combined, the influencer achieved a milestone last spring by making her debut in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, realizing a dream opportunity. Anticipated to feature in the 2024 edition, her rookie photoshoot took place in Portugal.

As Dunne prepares for the upcoming Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad Meet in West Valley City, Utah, next Saturday, fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating more outstanding performances from this gymnastics sensation. Her accomplishments both within and outside the gymnastics arena, continue to solidify her status as a prominent figure in the world of sports and entertainment.

Dunne had to bide her time until the final rotation of the evening to make her debut with that elevated status for the Tigers. Stepping out as the second competitor of six in front of the eager crowd, she wasted no time setting the bar high for her opponents, delivering a superb floor exercise.

In her debut routine for 2024, the SI Swimsuit newcomer posted an impressive 9.875, contributing to one of the five scores that would ultimately shape LSU's total for the evening. While it may not have been the highest individual score on the team (an honor claimed by Amari Drayton, earning praise from four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles), Dunne's spectacular display left spectators in awe of her performance.

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