![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-12T024320Z_1472154952_MT1USATODAY23252303_RTRMADP_3_MLB-CHICAGO-CUBS-AT-PITTSBURGH-PIRATES-1.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) poses with his girlfriend Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn (right) after making his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. The Pirates won 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-12T024320Z_1472154952_MT1USATODAY23252303_RTRMADP_3_MLB-CHICAGO-CUBS-AT-PITTSBURGH-PIRATES-1.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes (30) poses with his girlfriend Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunn (right) after making his major league debut against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. The Pirates won 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Athletes getting nervous always makes for fine stories. Usually, fans see these larger-than-life beings doing things that are impossible for everyday Joes and don’t realize that they too are humans. However, superstar gymnast Olivia Dunne has a different kind of problem. Instead of feeling nervous before her performances, she’s feeling it before her boyfriend Paul Skenes’ games.
That’s a surprising development, especially because the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher has been sensational since his debut. However, that hasn’t stopped Livvy from having butterflies in her stomach every time her beau stands on the mound. In a video posted by Bleacher Report, Olivia Dunne revealed just how she manages to deal with such emotions.
“I get more nervous watching Paul because it’s just different when you’re not doing it and you’re not in control,” Livvy Dunne said about her boyfriend. “But I am confident in his abilities and I kinda channel those nerves into excitement for him.” Well! That’s certainly a way of doing things. After all, when one looks at Dunne during Skenes’ games, one can’t see anything other than excitement on her face.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Livvy Dunne gets more nervous watching Paul 😂 pic.twitter.com/EZY4uIfOEb
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) June 11, 2024
Later the interviewers asked whether Skenes too gets nervous during her performances or not. Dunne joked that she wishes he got nervous but she actually has no idea. “I honestly don’t know anyone that thinks the way he does. I genuinely don’t know what he would say,” Dunne said. When her LSU team won the NCAA Championship, Paul Skenes posted a picture of theirs on his account. Perhaps that answers the question of how much Dunne’s success means to him.
However, while the famous TikToker is getting nervous, the fans are falling in love. Paul Skenes’ pitching prowess has even made rival fans appreciate his raw talent.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Cleveland Guardians fans’ special gesture for Paul Skenes
Paul Skenes once again had a special game last night. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ top rookie continued to wreak havoc on the opposition, with the Guardians being his latest target. The star threw 6 ⅓ scoreless innings and struck out eight batters. Skenes gave up only five hits without issuing any walks. This led to the Pirates winning the game 2-1 against the Guardians.
Cardinals fans give Paul Skenes an ovation as he exits in the seventh inning pic.twitter.com/UV4TiWeYwx
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 12, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
But the highlight came when Paul Skenes was called out of the game. As the star was leaving the ballpark, the Guardians fans stood up and gave a loud ovation to the young rookie. That was an unexpected occurrence but showed just how deep the respect goes for Skenes. So, while Olivia Dunne remains a little fearful, her boyfriend continues to conquer the baseball world.