As Olivia Dunne Nears Potential Retirement, A Gymnastics Legend’s Claim For LSU Gives Much-Needed Confidence for SEC

The two most popular NCAA Gymnastics collegiate meets, the 2024 SEC Championships, and the Pac-12 Championships, clashed dates. Both are set to take place on March 23, 2024. And the speculations about the probable deserving winner have already started. The former is scheduled to take place in New Orleans, LA, and the latter in West Valley City, Utah. More eyes on SEC as ‘America’s crush’ Olivia Dunne will join her team in a spectacle.

The top seeds entering the finals with podium-worthy scores are LSU, Florida, and Kentucky. LSU as the leading team with a 198.125 score will focus on maintaining its top position, inarguably. But while the 21-year-old has partially made up her mind to retire, here’s what Olympian Kathy Johnson had to say.

Will Olivia Dunne reconsider retirement after LSU fans show up?

ESPN sat with their experts to discuss the upcoming tournaments. Unsurprisingly, former Olympian and current sports commentator Kathy Johnson was an active part of it. When asked, Who will win the hotly contested SEC and Pac-12 conference championships this weekend?”, Johnson subtly picked her pick. She said, “I believe LSU has the consistent lineups, strong leadership, passionate drive, cohesive commitment and perhaps most important, the momentum needed to win SECs this year”. This line was enough to strengthen the ground of the highest-paid NCAA gymnast.

 “Both SECs and Pac-12s are going to be great meets!”, Johnson conceded. More experts chimed in with their opinions and LSU received more votes than all other teams going into the tournament. So, the ‘not decided’ probable retiree can appear for the fifth season hopefully. Now, let’s take a look at LSU Tigers’ gymnastic excellence recently.

A perfect ending to a perfect season

On March 16, the LSU gymnastics team stepped up for the Senior Night ceremonies. To mark the end of a flawless season, the Tigers edged out North Carolina, scoring 198.250. But the night was brimming with emotions as it was the seniors who were looking forward to graduating. Head Coach Jay Clark said, “It’s a tremendous group, whether they’re fourth, fifth, or sixth years”. 

This win against the Carolina team came shortly after it outclassed Alabama on March 1, 2024. Haleigh Bryant, one of the most popular faces in the NCAA currently, scored 10s to anchor her team to a 198.325. Wrapping themselves up in glittery golden accolades is now a regular for the Tigers’ team girls. “I’m so focused on the end of this year and bringing home the national championship, “, said Olivia Dunne.

READ MORE: Olivia Dunne Announces Baseball Avoidance Despite Boyfriend Paul Skenes’ Career Over New Addiction