Olivia Dunne, a prominent figure in gymnastics and social media, recently opened up about the unexpected turn her career took due to a long-concealed health issue. While known for her powerful routines and vibrant online presence, Dunne’s journey as an athlete faced significant challenges well before her retirement in 2025.
Her gymnastics career officially concluded in April 2025 after sustaining a rare knee injury—a serious avulsion fracture of the patella—that prevented her from competing in LSU’s final home meet. This condition occurs when a fragment of the kneecap is pulled away due to tendon stress and is quite uncommon in athletes.
During a YouTube podcast interview with Stephanie McMahon, Dunne revealed that her Olympic ambitions had already been derailed years prior. At the age of 15, while competing at the 2018 USA Gymnastics Championships, she experienced osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a condition that causes a portion of bone to die due to inadequate blood flow beneath the cartilage. “Part of my ankle bone died,” Dunne explained, highlighting how this setback impacted her aspirations for Olympic glory.
Despite the severity of her condition, Dunne made the remarkable decision not to undergo surgery, believing that time and care could aid her recovery. Reflecting on her previous environment with Team USA, she acknowledged the detrimental impact of persistent injuries and high pressure. “It just wasn’t the right place for me,” she said, leading her to choose LSU, where she found a more supportive and enjoyable atmosphere in college gymnastics.
Dunne’s transition to LSU marked a significant turning point. There, she rediscovered her passion for gymnastics within a team-oriented framework, which allowed her to thrive in a different context. Throughout her college career, she became a standout figure in the NIL era, securing prominent brand deals and bringing national attention to LSU gymnastics.
Though her path diverged from the Olympic dream she once envisioned, Olivia Dunne’s story emphasizes resilience and the ability to redefine one’s journey on personal terms. “I’ll always be a gymnast at heart,” she stated, embodying a spirit of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Her experience serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities, showcasing the importance of adaptability and self-acceptance in athletics and beyond.