Home/Gymnastics

Where is Olivia Dunne? The super senior gymnast has at least 6 more collegiate competitions remaining before wrapping up her collegiate career. And her gymnastics team has that many matches left to confirm its place in the final of the national championship. So shouldn’t she be on the mat more than ever? Yes, but Livvy has limitations. After all, she is a human. According to LSU Tigers gymnastics coach Jay Clark, she is out of the regular lineup because of a knee injury. And when will she return? There’s no update available on it. Then what will be the Tigers’ prospects in the race to defend the title? Who will stand up at the clutch moments to keep the scoreboard going? Well. Fret not. Dial H for everything. H, who?

On February 21, Haleigh Bryant competed in all four gymnastics competitions for the first time this season. Her performance versus Kentucky turned out to be amazing. How is this so? The defending champion defeated the rated opponent by just 0.125 points. On the other hand, in her first all-around event after shedding the dust of injury, Bryant scored a phenomenal 39.500. After Kailin Chio, her scores take the seat at the top list of the Tigers’ camp. Seven days later, on Friday, the Tigers faced another obstacle. This time in the Podium Challenge, they had to compete against George Washington in PMAC. A fight for honor in front of the home crowd! And who remained the soul-saver? Hailey Bryant.

Bryant’s all-around performance on Friday helped the Tigers win another gymnastics match with a score of 198.125-195.475. Seven days ago, she missed the top all-around mark by 0.075. But tonight was something new. The 23-year-old dropped the bolt today and finished with a score of 39.725 to lead the all-around list in the match. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Not only that, but she anchored the uneven bars event today with a 9.925 mark, proving her fitness beyond doubt. Flamboyant in its heart! But wasn’t this anticipated of the defending all-around champion? She made news all at once last year, making lofty performances. So, something similar was expected of her this year also, correct? Then what’s so special about Olivia Dunne’s BFF? 

Yes. Expectedly, Haleigh Bryant performed well today. But this season she achieved this point step by step. How so? Last year, she came under the grip of a strained ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) on her elbow during the Gymnastics 101 exhibition meet on December 16. After that, she had to spend a lot of time either on the sidelines or away from competing in all four routines. For her, the opportunity to perform in full scale came just last week, against Kentucky. And look what she did in her second full day in office? However, Olivia Dunne wasn’t fully absent in the scene. She showed up occasionally. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Haleigh Bryant and Olivia Dunne are two inseparable forces 

Recently, Haleigh Bryant showed up with Olivia Dunne on the sidelines, posing together and making faces while taking the selfie. Later, Livvy uploaded the snap on Snapchat, adding a blue-colored emoji on it. She also tagged Haleigh’s account with it to display her love for the latter. That’s how the social media star slayed the moment. However, that wasn’t the first time Livvy made her entry into Haleigh’s storyline. 

What’s your perspective on:

With Olivia Dunne out, is Haleigh Bryant the new face of LSU gymnastics?

Have an interesting take?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Last year, right after the Gymnastics 101 exhibition meet, the gymnastics world had the chance to celebrate Haleigh Bryant’s 23rd birthday. Olivia Dunne joined the party meanwhile. On her Instagram story, she dropped a candid photo with Haleigh, clicked in the Tigers’ locker room. To be specific, the picture was taken last year, after winning the SEC Championships. Bryant had her mark carved in that match. And in her post, Livvy reminded Bryant of that fact once again. How? She captioned the post, “A [GOAT’s] bday, [Haleigh Bryant],” with an emoji. Now, the GOAT is showing why she is that in all seasons.

Have something to say?

Let the world know your perspective.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

Debate

With Olivia Dunne out, is Haleigh Bryant the new face of LSU gymnastics?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT