There is no playbook for becoming one of the most followed college athletes in America, but Olivia Dunne seems to be writing her own. The LSU gymnastics star, who boasts over 8 million followers on TikTok and more than 5 million on Instagram, isn’t just redefining success in NCAA sports; she’s navigating the chaos of digital fame with clarity and courage. From viral routines to groundbreaking NIL deals, Dunne’s ascent has been dazzling. But with that spotlight comes shadows, criticism, trolling, and unsolicited judgment. So, how does a 22-year-old juggle elite athleticism, academic pressure, and a digital empire while wading through a flood of online hate?

Well, her answer is refreshingly blunt. In a recent appearance on the What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon, Dunne laid it bare: “Truly, I’m going to be completely honest. Either you have to ignore them or block them. I have no shame in blocking people. Good like or unfollowing.”

That no-nonsense attitude isn’t about avoidance; it’s about control. She adds, “If you’re getting hate and you don’t want to see it, you have control over your account. That’s the fun part of social media. You get to share what you want and you get to not share what you don’t want to share.”

For someone who’s become the face of the NCAA’s NIL era, reportedly earning seven figures annually, Dunne’s approach is a lesson in mental self-preservation. While millions scroll through her content, she’s choosing what stays in her digital world and what gets cut off with a simple tap. But where does this philosophy stem from? It’s more than digital savvy, it’s a survival instinct for someone who’s grown up under a relentless public gaze. In the same interview, she emphasized, “If you don’t see something you like, I just block it. But yeah, or ignore it.”

Her philosophy isn’t just about self-preservation; it’s a lesson for every fan scrolling through toxic comments. “You get to share what you want,” Olivia Dunne emphasized, reminding us we hold the power. As she continues dominating gymnastics and NIL, one question lingers: How will her approach inspire the next generation of athletes to own their narrative?

Olivia Dunne’s journey from sparkly Leotards to NCAA champion

Olivia Dunne was just three when a sparkly pink leotard sparked her gymnastics love affair in New Jersey. By age five, she joined the pre-team at ENA Paramus, training under Craig and Jennifer Zappa. Her talent shone early, winning the Level 4 State Championships and breaking New Jersey’s all-around record. How does a kid go from state champ to national stage?

At nine, Dunne competed at Level 9, reaching regionals, and by ten, she hit Level 10, qualifying for the 2020 Nastia Liukin Cup. In 2014, at just 11, she made her elite debut at the American Classic, placing 28th all-around. By 2017, she earned a spot on the U.S. Junior National Team, winning team gold at the City of Jesolo Trophy, finishing sixth all-around. What challenges awaited her at LSU?

Joining LSU’s Tigers in 2020, Dunne dazzled on uneven bars, scoring a career-high 9.925 twice, first at Auburn in 2021, then against Centenary in 2022. She helped LSU clinch their first NCAA title in 2024. So after all this, what’s next for this trailblazer?