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Olivia Dunne is not one to be intimidated by criticism. The college gymnastics star decided to ignore the haters and return for one final year with the LSU Tigers, not only in search of a new national championship but also to spend more time with her team, whom she considers her best friends.
Due to the pause in the 2021 tournament because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dunne had an optional fifth year of eligibility remaining. After a few months off following their 2023-2024 championship win, Olivia announced that she would take that year in hopes of closing out her cycle with LSU by lifting a new national trophy.
Dunne and the Tigers got off to a good start with a victory over Iowa State in their first week of competition. Following the win, Livvy addressed critics, saying she was happy to be back on the college circuit and ready to face the challenges ahead.
Olivia has no regrets about her return
Speaking to the LSU YouTube channel, Dunne talked about the match against the Cyclones, saying, "The best way I can describe it is just complete joy. I had a blast, and I feel like the decision to come back was one of the best decisions I ever made."
Beyond winning games, Olivia's main goal is to enjoy her final year of college. "I feel like I have to seize every moment because I know it could be my last. It's my last year of eligibility, and I just really want to make the best of it."
She reiterated her gratitude for the chance to share another year with her teammates, saying, "I'm so grateful to be back to experience it one last time with my best friends. I'm the closest to these freshmen and this group of girls."
The challenges of returning to the grind
On how difficult it was to return to the discipline of an elite gymnast, Dunne itted, "It's definitely a challenge to be a D1 athlete, no matter what sport you're in." However, she also said, "I think the daily grind is something I'll cherish forever."
After the 197.300-194.100 victory over Iowa State, Dunne and her Tigers are already preparing for the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad, where they will defend their second place in the national ranking against No. 6 California, No. 1 Oklahoma, and No. 4 Utah.
The challenge looks difficult, but if Livvy and the LSU team have shown anything, it is that they know how to face any challenge, and this time will surely be no exception.