Still No Sign of Return, Olivia Dunne Cheers NCAA Gymnastics Friend As She Announces Exit From Sport

Olivia Dunne faces a critical juncture in her career after winning the NCAA championships for LSU. As her time in collegiate competition nears its end, the unexpected extension of eligibility due to the pandemic presents her with a tough decision. She must now weigh the option of extending her time competing for the Tigers against the allure of transitioning to the next chapter of her life. This dilemma resonates not only with Dunne but also with other senior college gymnasts nationwide, as each of them stands at a pivotal moment in their careers.

While some gymnasts, like Gabby Perea from Cal University, who is an all-rounder, chose to retire recently. Rather than viewing Perea’s decision with uncertainty or disappointment, Dunne expresses a deep sense of pride in Perea’s choice, as seen from her recent sentiments shared via Instagram.

Olivia Dunne’s heartfelt touch to Gabby’s farewell

Gabby Perea recently shared a heartfelt Instagram post showing her journey from childhood dreams to collegiate achievements. The post featured a series of photos, beginning the collage of her childhood dreams to proud moments representing Cal University. Expressing gratitude and joy, Gabby reflected on the next post about her evolution from a young gymnast learning basic skills to becoming a Division I student-athlete at CAL.

She thanked her coaches, teammates, and family for their support throughout her gymnastics career, acknowledging the highs, lows, and challenges she faced along the way. In her farewell to the sport, Gabby expressed gratitude for the opportunities and growth it provided, despite leaving with chronic pain.

She thanked her gymnastics family for their support and camaraderie, expressing love for the sport and excitement for future endeavors. With heartfelt appreciation, Gabby bid farewell to competitive gymnastics, cherishing the memories and lessons learned while looking forward to supporting future generations of athletes.

In the midst of Gabby’s heartfelt reflections, a truly touching moment unfolded as her close friend Olivia Dunne commented on her post, affectionately calling her  “Gabtab.” Dunne’s words, “So proud of you, Gabtab,” added an extra layer of emotional depth to Gabby’s farewell. It pretty much seems their friendship has blossomed over time, as seen in the strength of their bond.

Gabby and Livvy’s reunion

Last year, Olivia Dunne was featured in an Instagram post alongside other gymnasts – Tori Tatum, Alyona Shchennikova, Gabby Perea, and Elena Arenas, showing their enduring bond throughout their careers. Notably, Gabby, a three-time USA National Team member and senior international elite, has garnered significant achievements, including triumphant moments with Team USA at the City of Jesolo Trophy. Nevertheless, the status of Olivia Dunne’s path with LSU still remains uncertain, with speculation surrounding her potential return for a fifth year, especially after signing a deal with “Passes” Nil deal.

While Olivia Dunne’s LSU teammate, Haleigh Bryant, announced her return to the team to compete for a fifth year in 2025, speculation arises whether Dunne will follow suit. A potential return would enhance her “NIL” deal, especially following the NCAA championship. The prospect of Dunne’s decision adds an exciting dimension to her future in collegiate gymnastics.