“Liv’s knee is still an issue.” LSU Tigers gymnastics coach Jay Clark’s voice carried a hint of unease when he said this back in February. But anyone who’s followed Olivia Dunne’s journey knows that knee trouble is only part of the story. The super senior has already battled through more than her share of injuries—two torn labrums, a torn biceps, and a stress reaction in her leg during the 2022-23 season. Yet, despite knowing Livvy’s resilience, Clark’s worried expression before the LSU-Auburn showdown on March 14 hinted that this time, something felt different.

That suspicion grew heavier when Clark offered a glimpse into the situation. “It’s an extremely unusual situation she’s dealing with, and it just hurts,” he said, his tone tinged with frustration. For the fans who’ve followed Livvy’s every routine, flip, and comeback, those words stung. What could be so unusual? Was the knee issue more severe than expected? Was there another complication beneath the surface? The mystery deepened.

But just as the clouds of concern thickened, Livvy herself broke through them with a burst of light. On March 18, she sent her fans into a frenzy with a simple yet electric Instagram clip. The video showed her jogging on a treadmill—effortless, graceful, and most importantly, pain-free. The trademark Livvy smile was back. And in classic Dunne fashion, she added a caption that sparked hope across the gymnastics world: “We’re so back, baby.” Wait—back? Back from what? 

Back from months of uncertainty, back from the sidelines, and back to doing what Olivia Dunne does best. And yes, she specifically showcased her knee, moving without hesitation. No limping. No wincing. Just Livvy, gliding like she never left. For fans, it wasn’t just a treadmill run—it was a promise. The comeback they’ve been waiting for might be just around the corner. But have we talked about what happened to her? A knee issue, right? But to what level? 

“Hi friends! Unfortunately, I’ve been dealing with an avulsion fracture of my patella and will not be able to compete on senior night.” When Olivia Dunne posted those words on March 6, they carried a heavy weight. It wasn’t just an update—it was heartbreak. Senior Night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) was supposed to be her grand farewell. One final chance to take the mat in front of the home crowd, to feel the roar of Tiger Nation one last time. Instead, she watched it all unfold from the sidelines, her dream slipping through her fingers. To make matters worse, she also missed LSU’s final regular-season showdown against Auburn at Neville Arena. Two critical matches—gone. And all because of an injury that even seasoned gymnastics coach Jay Clark had to Google.

“It’s about her pain. It’s an unusual injury—I had to look it up. I didn’t even know what the retinaculum in the knee was,” Clark admitted before the Auburn matchup. His candor revealed just how complex Livvy’s situation was. Well, the retinaculum, a fibrous band that keeps the kneecap stable, is rarely the source of trouble in gymnasts. But Livvy’s was compromised. Furthermore, the effects were doubled for certain reasons. 

The injury, though uncommon, brought significant pain and instability, making even basic movements unpredictable. For Livvy, it wasn’t just the physical toll—it was a mental test. The constant battle between wanting to push forward and having to hold back. The frustration of watching her teammates from the wings instead of leading them with her gravity-defying routines. But then came the glimmer of hope—the March 18 treadmill clip. Jogging without pain. Smiling without strain. The spark was back. Surely this meant she was on the fast track to competing again, right? Well, not so fast. Jay Clark still had his concerns.

Olivia Dunne’s BFF has yet to reach her ‘rhythm’ 

The Legacy Arena at The BJCC is ready. The spotlight is set. On March 22, the LSU Tigers gymnastics squad will step onto the iconic floor, chasing yet another SEC Championship title. The opponent? Still a mystery. But the real question looming over Jay Clark’s squad isn’t about who they’ll face—it’s about who will be fully fit to compete. And right now, the answer is bittersweet. Why so?

On the bright side, Olivia Dunne is making a stirring comeback. Her knee, once a source of agony, now seems to be cooperating. But while the Livvy train is picking up speed, her BFF Haleigh Bryant seems to be hitting a patch of turbulence. Yes, Bryant—the reigning all-around NCAA champion—has been dazzling under the lights with back-to-back standout performances. Yet, Jay Clark still isn’t convinced.

After LSU’s regular-season finale against Auburn, he revealed a surprising take to NOLA.com: “She’s still getting better. In some ways, she’s still finding her rhythm. She’s not even to a midseason-type level yet.” Wait—not midseason level? Despite the polished landings and powerful vaults? Despite anchoring the team with poise? Clark’s concern runs deeper. He knows that Bryant—who suffered an injury in December—is still playing catch-up. She might be performing at all events now, but her sharpness and stamina aren’t where they could be. The scary part? Even at less than full force, Bryant is still delivering top-tier performances. But Clark knows what her peak looks like—and she’s not there yet. Not quite.

So, as the SEC Championship battle nears, LSU fans are holding their breath. Livvy is revving up for a potential return, bringing a wave of optimism. But Haleigh Bryant, the superstar who could make or break the team’s title hopes, still has another gear to hit. And if she finds it on March 22? The Legacy Arena might just witness gymnastics poetry in motion.