Do you remember when you saw Olivia Dunne for the last time on the gymnastics mat this season? Hard to remember, right? Well, the super senior has been missing the key matches for her gymnastics program lately. Injuries might have kept her away from the mat, but not from the headlines. The 22-year-old is still turning heads and attracting comments. Her latest public appearance wasn’t any different. But this time, not all of it was pleasant. 

Last month, the LSU senior earned an outstanding honor from Mardi Gras. In the history of the iconic festival, she became the first college gymnast to become the Grand Marshal of the Endymion Parade. As the holder of the post, she had to guide the parade, the largest of its kind in New Orleans. The anticipation had reached a fever pitch. All Livvy Dunne had to do was cast her magic spell and take it up a notch. Even though she tried her best on March 1, the turn the event took was not quite what she had expected.

On March 2, the gymnast shared a clip of herself playing the role of Mardi Gras Grand Marshal on TikTok. In that special avatar, she tried her best to set the mood by wearing a green emerald mermaid gown and a cape of applique roses. She was atop an open-shade bus, waving at the fans and throwing the chain of beads at the fans waiting at the sides of the streets. She captioned the post with the words, “craziest night of my life #mardigras #float #louisiana #nola.” However, the comment section was in no mood to play along with Olivia Dunne.

On TikTok, in the comment section below Livvy’s post, a fan mocked her throwing prowess during the Mardi Gras celebration, “Tell paul to teach u throwing the shape was awful ngl.” Notably, Livvy’s boyfriend, Paul Skenes, wasn’t present in the parade. He is busy, thanks to the MLB season right now, and given his fame as a pitcher for the Pirates. The 22-year-old was honest while explaining the reason for her ‘awful’ throws in the parade, “My arm is hanging today ngl.” The debate ended there. But the crisis was prominent. 

Olivia Dunne had to acknowledge her limitations in front of her millions of fans on TikTok. Paul’s presence in the scene may have become her soul saver, not only on TikTok but also in Mardi Gras. But Saturday night wasn’t that night. But maybe she should get used to it, as the situation might not change drastically in the coming days.

Olivia Dunne is learning things in Paul Skenes’ absence 

Paul Skenes is currently in the Spring Training program for the Pittsburgh Pirates. This time the Rookie of the Year will have a serious chance to appear on the mound for maintaining key responsibilities. However, his regular presence on the field might mean less time to share with girlfriend Olivia Dunne. On February 15 this year, the clip she shared on TikTok indicated that the star gymnast knew what lay ahead, “Me laughing til I remember I’m doing long distance until my season is over.” Her gymnastics season has a minimum of 6 matches left and Paul will have the entire season lying in front of him. That’s not pretty!

Olivia Dunne will join Jayson Werth on May 2 and 3 this year to host the 2025 Club SI in this year’s GI Longines Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Again, it’s a kind recognition! But the list does not have Paul Skenes’ name. Furthermore, while he missed the list, the outfielder from the Phillies became the host and the key entertainer. A loss for Livvy Dunne, isn’t it? But again, it is about professional engagement. Let’s hope the lovebirds meet soon.