Olivia Dunne stepped away from gymnastics because of a brutal avulsion fracture. On March 6, she ended her NCAA season and her career. She told People she fought to compete one last time, but the injury was very challenging to push through. Months into her voluntary retirement, she already misses what her body gave up doing.

Taking to her Instagram handle, the social media sensation shared a somber video reflecting on the peak of her former career – a time when she could glide through difficult gymnastics routines without breaking a sweat. The New Jersey native included two clips of herself executing tumbling passes during a practice session at the team’s facility, noting that the footage was from an earlier phase of her journey with a poignant caption.

“Watching videos of what my body was capable of a year ago, like it’s my dead wife.”

“Like how tf did I do that.”

Since stepping away from sports, the LSU standout has doubled down on her social media presence. With 5.3 million followers on Instagram and over 8 million on TikTok, her pivot has been fairly substantial. Dunne announced her retirement after her fifth year in Baton Rouge, marking the NCAA season as her planned final run when the avulsion fracture ultimately took that opportunity away from her.

“It is such a weird injury. Usually, patella fractures are from a direct blow to the knee, but mine is from overuse, which you don’t really see very often. And really, the only thing I need is time for it to heal… and it feels like it’s been forever,” she said in a conversation with People. Missing gymnastics is palpable; she spent most of her life inside the gym.

Retirement has done good to Olivia Dunne. She now has the time to explore segments of the society, bringing to her followers an awareness through her star status about the lives of men and women on the country’s defense front. But what’s she up to now?

Star duo Olivia Dunne and Paul Skenes visit sailors during USO Tour

Olivia Dunne and Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes recently partnered with the USO for a two-day trip to meet sailors stationed aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. The couple visited the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Mahan, spending time with the crews and learning about their missions. Buzzing with over 1300 service members, they understood the history of the aircraft carrier, the life of the servicemen, and how they carry on their daily operations.

Talking to the media, Skenes said, “I am honored and incredibly grateful to have visited the servicemen and women aboard the USS Ford and the USS Mahan. Being able to tour the ships and see the incomparable facilities and equipment onboard was an unparalleled experience.”

“Most importantly, being able to meet and spend time with so many brave and real-life heroes, who have sacrificed so much to protect us, was truly unforgettable and special. We can never thank them enough for all that they do.”

Olivia Dunne was stunned by the day-to-day life of servicemen on the aircraft carrier, which functions like a small city at sea. The ship has everything needed for daily living – food, recreation, and essential services.

“It was an absolute honor to get to spend time on board the USS Ford and USS Mahan. The experience was unlike anything I have ever done before! I really enjoyed meeting with the sailors and learning about the important work they do. I have such immense gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices they make, along with their families back home, in order to protect our freedoms.”

Olivia Dunne made a big call by stepping away from gymnastics, but she’s satisfied with what she accomplished and is enjoying where she is now. It shows she’s clear about her priorities and confident in the direction she’s walking in.