Livvy Dunne, a renowned gymnast and social media star, has officially retired from the sport following a disappointing finish for LSU at the NCAA championships.
In a surprising turn of events, LSU's top-seeded gymnastics team, with Dunne as a key member, failed to qualify for the final round of the NCAA championship, Daily Mail reported.
The disappointment stemmed from LSU's performance in the semifinals, where they concluded with a score of 197.5250. This was not enough to advance, leaving them in third place despite entering the competition as the defending champions and top seed.
From the start, the team faced setbacks, particularly during the uneven bars and beam events. These early errors pushed LSU down to fourth position, dampening their hopes of a repeat championship victory.
Despite significant efforts to recover in the later stages of the competition, with standout floor exercises by Amari Drayton, Aleah Finnegan, and Haleigh Bryant each scoring above 9.9, their efforts were insufficient to secure a spot in the finals.
Amidst the team's struggles, LSU freshman Kailin Chio delivered an outstanding performance, winning the vault championship with a nearly perfect score of 9.975. Chio's victory marked her as the 19th LSU gymnast to clinch an individual championship, and the eighth in vault events, showcasing the depth of talent within the team despite the overall results.
Meanwhile, competitors from other universities posed strong challenges. UCLA gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Jordan Chiles excelled in their routines on the beam and uneven bars respectively, which helped UCLA advance to the championship rounds.
Adding to the competitive atmosphere, Utah posted a high score of 197.7625, progressing to its fifth consecutive Final Four. Their consistent performance remains a benchmark in collegiate gymnastics, continually pushing other teams to elevate their game.
Dunne, who boasts over five million followers on Instagram, faced personal challenges during the competition. A knee injury sustained last month prevented her from participating in the semifinals, a significant blow given her pivotal role in last year's championship-winning team.
Despite her inability to compete, Dunne traveled to Fort Worth to support her team from the sidelines. Her presence was emblematic of her commitment and love for the sport and her team.
"[Peace] out gymnastics, it’s been real... and of course forever LSU!" Dunne expressed on her social media, marking an emotional end to her illustrious gymnastics career. This statement not only signified her retirement but also her enduring affection for her team and university.
Reflecting on her career, Dunne has openly discussed her ongoing recovery attempts and training efforts despite her injury. "I'm doing everything I can to be able to," she mentioned before the competition. Her determination to overcome physical obstacles underscores her dedication to gymnastics.
She also voiced some frustrations regarding the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) settlement, critiquing it for using "old logic to calculate modern value" and overlooking the potential growth trajectory of athletes like herself in emerging markets. This critique highlights her awareness and involvement in issues beyond just her sport.
With gymnastics now in her past, speculation about Dunne's future points towards a potential career in media. Given her substantial social media influence and her articulate views on athlete rights and value, she may continue to shape narratives not just in sports but in broader public discussions.
Last year, Dunne played a crucial role in securing LSU's first-ever National Championship in gymnastics, a historic achievement for her and the university. Her departure marks the end of an era for both her athletic journey and for the team she has so greatly influenced.
As Dunne steps away from gymnastics to possibly explore new avenues in media, her impact on the sport and her visibility as an athlete and influencer will undoubtedly endure. Her legacy at LSU and in collegiate gymnastics sets a high bar for future athletes.
Livvy Dunne's path forward is likely to be as dynamic and successful as her gymnastics career, watched eagerly by millions of her followers and fans.
