Olivia Dunne is missing the last home meet of her LSU gymnastics career on Friday night due to a knee injury.
The 22-year-old revealed the shock news on Instagram on Thursday night, saying: ‘Unfortunately I’ve been dealing with an avulsion fracture of my patella (kneecap) and will not be able to compete on senior night.
‘It absolutely breaks my heart to not get the opportunity to compete in the PMAC one last time.
‘Tiger fans, you’ve been so good to me! Thank you for the endless support and as always Geaux Tigers!’
The meet is scheduled for Friday night but Dunne will likely now take a seat in the stands for the showdown with Georgia in Baton Rouge.
The following Friday, LSU is in Alabama to compete against Auburn before the championship meets begin.
Olivia Dunne is missing the last home meet of her LSU gymnastics career on Friday
Dunne pictured with her boyfriend, the Pittsburgh Pirates MLB sensation Paul Skenes
Dunne pictured alongside golf influencer Paige Sprianac at a Sports Illustrated event
Dunne’s status as it stands is unclear – despite the serious-sounding nature of her knee issue she was only prepared to rule herself out of Friday’s meet as it stands.
What her future holds after LSU is unclear but Dunne will have an array of options. Her social media following is massive – she boasts 5.3million Instagram followers and another 8m on TikTok.
She has already appeared in many lucrative commercials, including one alongside Travis Kelce for an energy drink.
Dunne has also posed for a photoshoot for the prestigious Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition.
Overall, she is believed to have already accumulated a wealth of around $6million before embarking on what many predict to be her more lucrative years after college.
Dunne is also dating Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes – already regarded as one of the best in MLB after a stunning rookie season.
Just days ago, Dunne was celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. She was given the honor of being named Grand Marshall for the 2025 Krewe of Endymion parade through the Big Easy on Saturday.
Endymion is one of the biggest parades to roll through New Orleans on the Saturday before Fat Tuesday, setting the carnival city alight with its upwards of 3,000 riders.
Dunne is widely expected to pursue a media career after her time at college with LSU
Last year, Dunne helped LSU to win its first ever National Championship in gymnastics
Dunne later shared a video of herself atop one of the floats throwing out traditional beads to the crowds gathered along the parade route through the Crescent City.
Dunne had the option of returning to LSU for a fifth year – which she took – due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Last season, Dunne helped LSU win their first National Championship in history – an achievement that had a part in convincing her to return for year five.
Speaking to ESPN in February about her final year, Dunne said: ‘I’m just trying to seize every opportunity and make the most of it and make those memories.
‘The travel meets are some of the best memories you’ll have when you’re a college athlete and being with the girls on the team.
‘Even just practice every day is special. These are my sisters, and that’s something I’ll never forget.’