**Meta:** Olivia Dunne addresses criticism over her fifth year at LSU gymnastics, highlighting the commonality of extended eligibility in college sports.
**Content:**
**Who, What, When, Where, Why:**
Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, a gymnast at LSU, recently responded to a troll on TikTok who mocked her decision to return for a fifth year. Dunne, who entered college in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, was granted an extra year of eligibility. This incident occurred after the Tigers celebrated their senior night, where Dunne was unable to compete due to a knee injury.
**Addressing the Criticism**
Dunne took to TikTok to dismantle a comment suggesting she would be a senior “for the next 10 years.” She expressed confusion over the negativity directed at her decision, stating, “I really don’t understand what’s so hard to get. I came to college in 2020, got granted a fifth year because of COVID, and I came back for the fifth year.”
– Dunne noted that such comments are often directed at female athletes, questioning why her choice to return for another year is scrutinized.
– She highlighted that male athletes, like LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, also take advantage of extended eligibility without facing similar backlash.
**The Importance of Female Athlete Support**
Dunne emphasized the need for support for female athletes, stating, “People commenting stuff like this obviously were never a college athlete or never loved a sport.” She also mentioned that she relinquished her athletic scholarship to allow another gymnast the opportunity to compete.
**Achievements and Contributions**
Dunne is recognized as the top female NIL earner in the country, valued at approximately $4.1 million. She has also launched “The Livvy Fund” to help female athletes secure NIL deals and create more opportunities in college sports.
– In her gymnastics career, Dunne has achieved significant milestones, including:
– A career-high score of 9.900 in the floor event.
– A season-best score of 9.875 on the bars.
**Conclusion**
Dunne’s experience highlights the challenges female athletes face in the realm of public perception and the importance of advocating for their rights and opportunities. How can we better support female athletes in their pursuits?
**FAQs:**
**Q: Why did Olivia Dunne return for a fifth year at LSU?**
A: Olivia Dunne returned for a fifth year due to an extra year of eligibility granted because of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing her to continue competing in gymnastics.
