Despite Growing Fandom, Olivia Dunne Opened Up on How Social Media Fame Fueled ‘Body Image’ Struggles

Before the 2020 NIL policy change, Olivia Dunne had a few thousand followers on social media. However, once the historic policy change came into effect, the floodgates flung open. Besides the various sponsorship deals, Dunne’s Instagram and TikTok follower count exploded. Today, the LSU gymnastics icon sits at over 13 million followers. Yet, there was a time when it got overwhelming for Livvy.

“There was a whole new plethora of eyes that were on me,” confessed Dunne. As the followers grew, Livvy started viewing herself as a public figure who needed to look flawless in her content. However, in trying to become flawless in the eyes of her online fan base, the athlete ran into some serious body image issues. The issues threatened her career and even her health and well-being.

“I just didn’t know what to do. And it was really hard with body image for a while.” Olivia Dunne said in The Money Game Episode 2: The Price Just Went Up. Soon, the LSU Tigers star ran into diet problems while trying to chase the perfect look. “I had a hard time balancing, you know.” confessed the 2024 NCAA champion because proper nutrition is paramount for an athlete.

The gymnast felt confused. “If I should fuel my body like a model, if I should fuel my body like an athlete….” she said in the Amazon Prime Video documentary. Unfortunately, the Lady Tigers member couldn’t do both, as chasing the look would’ve certainly affected her ability in the gym. However, LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark came to the rescue.

Besides dealing with body image issues, the rookie social media influence also had a hard time dealing with negativity. However, one of Coach Clark’s attributes is his ability to keep his gymnasts focused. “The main thing is to just keep them you know in the process and not letting them you know… get distracted,” the head coach said in Episode 5.

Under Clark’s guidance, and thanks to her love for her craft, Livvy chose gymnastics over appeasing everyone who followed her on social media. However, with time, the national champion has also learned to stop chasing unrealistic body image standards.

How Olivia Dunne grew to become comfortable in her skin

Throughout these four years at LSU, Livvy underwent a transformational journey. During the early NIL days, Dunne wanted to change her body. However, in 2023, she called out to those who judge others based on looks. “I can’t help the way I look, and I’m going to post what I feel comfortable with,” the 2024 LSU Coach’s Award winner told ELLE in July 2023.

“It’s hard to handle at times, definitely, because I am just a 20-year-old student. I think people do forget that,” she added. However, you’d be wrong to think that the NCAA title winner no longer has body image issues. Although Olivia Dunne has learned to look past the shallow criticism, embracing body positivity is an ongoing process.

Although it may not look like it, Livvy confessed to still not being 100% comfortable. “It’s something that I’m still working on to this day… being confident,” the New Jersey native told Sports Illustrated last year in November. However, Dunne also added that she’s accepted how it’s “ok” not to be perfect in everyone’s eyes. “Sometimes, it’s a blessing and a curse, sometimes,” Dunne said about the NIL. It seems in this case, what started as a curse became a blessing in disguise.