Who is Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne? Quick Facts about the Influencer Girlfriend of Baseball Star Paul Skenes

Social media sensation Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne has become one of the most recognisable faces in sports. Her rise from a home-schooled teenager to a viral influencer and athlete has captured the attention of millions.

As both a prominent American gymnast and social media personality, she gained significant recognition through her activities on TikTok and Instagram. She joined TikTok in 2020, initially sharing videos related to her gymnastics routines before expanding to other aspects of her life. By February 2023, she had become the most-followed NCAA athlete on social media, boasting over 8 million followers on TikTok and 5 million on Instagram.

Her relationship with LSU pitcher Paul Skenes has added to her profile, but just what do we know about 'Livvy Dunne'?

Early Life and Gymnastics Career

Livvy Dunne was born on 1 October 2002 in New Jersey and started training in gymnastics at the age of 3. As a teenager, she was homeschooled while training intensively in gymnastics at Eastern National Academy in Paramus. She made the US Junior Women's National Team in 2017 and competed internationally, including at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy, where she finished sixth all-around. Her junior career showcased her high level of skill and talent.

However, her senior elite career was marred by injuries, prompting her to switch focus to college gymnastics. Dunne arrived at Louisiana State University (LSU) in summer 2020, amid the ongoing pandemic, with a considerable social media following. Her gymnastics accomplishments include earning All-America honours on bars during her freshman season, and she played a key role in LSU's first-ever team national championship in April 2023.

Rise as a Social Media Influencer and NIL Pioneer

Dunne's social media journey began at age 10, but it accelerated during the pandemic when she posted TikTok videos that quickly went viral. By the time she started at LSU, she had amassed over 3 million followers on TikTok and Instagram combined. Her popularity surged further after the NCAA introduced the 'Name, Image, and Likeness' (NIL) rule, allowing college athletes to profit from endorsement deals.

Within months, Dunne became the highest-paid female college athlete, with endorsements valued at over £3.3 million (approximately $4.1 million). She partnered with brands such as American Eagle, L'Oreal, and Vuori, and appeared in a national campaign for Vuori. Her influence extended beyond sports, landing her on billboards in Times Square.

Relationship with Paul Skenes

Livvy Dunne's personal life is often linked to her relationship with Paul Skenes, the LSU baseball pitcher and 2024 National League Rookie of the Year. The couple met at LSU, where she was a gymnast and he was a student-athlete. Their relationship has been publicly acknowledged, and Skenes's own fame has complemented Dunne's visibility. Her partnership with Skenes has kept her in the public eye, especially as he garners attention for his achievements in Major League Baseball.

Legacy and Future Plans

In July 2023, Dunne launched 'The Livvy Fund' to support female college athletes at LSU through NIL opportunities. Her efforts aim to create pathways for others, showcasing her commitment to empowering women in sports. Now, she is pursuing careers in modelling, acting, and sports media after her gymnastics career has ended, though her social media has seemed to have significantly factored into her career options.

Her significant online presence led to endorsement deals, a seven-figure income, and her being featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for 2023 and 2024. Dunne's influence was further recognised when she was included in Forbes' 30 under 30 list in 2024 and Time magazine's 'TIME100 Creators' in 2025.