I’m gonna make a strange comparison here and say that Livvy Dunne is to college gymnastics as Happy Gilmore was to golf. Now yes, Happy Gilmore was a movie and what’s going on at LSU is real. But here’s what I see. Livvy is bringing a LOT of new attention to women’s gymnastics. In the same way Adam Sandler’s character brought more people to golf. And just like in that movie there’s some people that are not ok with it.
As reported by Outkick, Livvy has 6.6 million followers on TikTok, 2.7 million followers on Instagram and an estimated NIL valuation of more than $2.5 million.
Olivia Dunne of LSU looks on after a PAC-12 meet against Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Livvy Dunne was not in the lineup for LSU’s seasoning opening match against Utah. She’s dealing with an injured labrum.
That didn’t seem to matter to several of her fans in attendance.
There’s a group of fans that keep chanting “Livvy”
— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) January 7, 2023
For those that don’t know, Livvy Dunne for LSU is the most followed college athlete on social media and her NIL is valued somewhere near $2.7 million. pic.twitter.com/e8R0OzbhgA
They chanted “we want Livvy” while other athletes were competing. I saw a tweet that said security moved the group hoping to keep them quiet. They continued throughout. After the meet, Livvy did take some time for pics with the fans.
Olivia Dunne of LSU takes photos with fans after a PAC-12 meet against Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
That all seems harmless enough.
But that adoration continued as reported by Utah Sports beat writer Josh Furlong.
LSU had to move its team bus so they didn’t have to run into the group of boys. There were cops stationed in front to avoid them getting in. https://t.co/4mtWkUxAWa
— Josh Furlong (@JFurKSL) January 7, 2023
That’s the kind of draw that Olivia Dunne has.
She’s a superstar and people will come just to see her. LSU’s next appearance is at Kentucky Friday January 13th. Televised on ESPN2. Expect more of the same. And just to be clear. I don’t blame anyone here. Livvy is a superstar, there’s no denying that. I also don’t blame the fans. They love her. They want to see her. The idea of capturing Livvy on your BeReal was a huge deal.
Finally, for the rest, this is just how it is right now. Go back and re-watch Happy Gilmore.
Olivia Dunne of LSU takes a ‘selfie’ with fans after a PAC-12 meet against Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Olivia Dunne of LSU looks on during a PAC-12 meet against Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Olivia Dunne of LSU takes a ‘selfie’ with fans after a PAC-12 meet against Utah at Jon M. Huntsman Center on January 06, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)