For Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, gymnastics was never just a sport—it was her entire world. From the time she was three years old, the New Jersey native poured her heart, soul, and boundless energy into the discipline that would take her all the way to the national stage, earning her fame as one of LSU’s most celebrated student-athletes and a social media sensation.

But in April 2025, at just 22 years old, Dunne shocked fans by announcing her retirement from gymnastics. For many, the news raised a simple question: Why now?

Now, Dunne is sharing her story in her own words, revealing the exact moment she knew her Olympic dreams were over—and how she’s finding her footing in a life beyond the sport she loves.

The Dream That Died on the Mat

Speaking on the “What’s Your Story? With Stephanie McMahon” podcast, Dunne described the heartbreak of realizing her lifelong Olympic ambitions would never be realized. The turning point, she says, came in 2018, during the USA Gymnastics Championships.

“I was actually competing on a hurt ankle at the 2018 USA Championships,” Dunne recalled. “And part of my ankle bone died… so my Olympic dreams died with it.”

It was a devastating blow for a teenager who had already tasted the thrill of competing with Team USA in 2017, and who had her sights set on the highest levels of the sport. The diagnosis: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a rare condition in which the bone beneath the cartilage of a joint loses blood flow and begins to die, often causing pain and limiting movement.

“It was so painful,” Dunne said, describing the injury that would forever alter her athletic trajectory. “That was one of my first real injuries. I’ve actually never gotten any surgery, which is kind of crazy for a gymnast.”

A Career Marked by Resilience

Despite the setback, Dunne refused to let go of gymnastics. She continued to compete at LSU, where she became a fan favorite for her dynamic routines and infectious energy. Her journey was marked by grit—battling through injuries, balancing the pressures of NCAA competition, and managing a growing public profile as one of the most-followed college athletes on social media.

But the injuries kept coming. This March, Dunne suffered an avulsion fracture of her kneecap—a painful separation of a bone fragment caused by the forceful pull of ligaments or tendons.

“I fractured my kneecap during my gymnastics season, and it’s getting better slowly but surely,” Dunne told PEOPLE at Fanatics Fest in New York City, three months after the injury. “I’ve been grinding nonstop ever since the season ended, but I think that it is getting a little bit better.”

The road to recovery has been long, and for the first time, Dunne found herself contemplating a future without gymnastics.

Saying Goodbye—and Starting Over

In April, Dunne made the difficult decision to retire from competitive gymnastics. The announcement, posted to her millions of followers online, was met with an outpouring of support from fans, teammates, and fellow athletes.

“I feel like as an athlete, I’ve always been disciplined and I’ve always had my finger on the pulse of what worked for me and what didn’t,” Dunne shared with PEOPLE. “Even the slightest difference in gymnastics is huge, but it definitely is a little bit different being a non-athlete anymore.”

The transition hasn’t been easy. After years of living by the rigid routines of an elite gymnast, Dunne admits she’s still learning to navigate a new kind of freedom. “It’s like I’m still trying to find the balance,” she said, noting that she’s looking forward to “summers and friends”—simple pleasures that were often sacrificed for training and competition.

New Chapters: From Gymnastics to the Spotlight

Though she’s stepped away from the mat, Dunne’s star continues to rise. In May, she was named a 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover star, walking the red carpet at the issue’s launch party and hinting at even more exciting projects on the horizon.

“My life has revolved around gymnastics,” Dunne told PEOPLE at the event. “So, honestly, to be able to say yes to more things and potentially maybe do some more performing art stuff on screen—and I’m very excited.”

When pressed about the possibility of acting, Dunne played coy: “I don’t know, I don’t know! Stay tuned!” she teased.

Her boyfriend, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes, has been by her side throughout her recovery and new ventures, with the couple recently making a glamorous appearance together at the 2025 All-Star Red Carpet Show in Atlanta.

A Legacy Beyond Medals

For Dunne, the end of her Olympic dream isn’t the end of her story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter, one defined by resilience, reinvention, and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Her candor about injury, disappointment, and the emotional toll of elite athletics has resonated with fans and fellow athletes alike. In an era when mental health and athlete well-being are finally taking center stage, Dunne’s openness offers a powerful reminder: Success isn’t always measured by medals or trophies. Sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones we win within ourselves.

“I’ve always been disciplined,” Dunne reflected. “Now, I’m learning to be adventurous, too.”

Moving Forward—With Grace and Grit

As she looks to the future, Dunne is determined to make the most of every opportunity—whether it’s in front of the camera, on a red carpet, or simply enjoying time with friends and family.

Her advice to young athletes facing setbacks? “Don’t let one moment define your entire journey. There’s always another dream waiting.”

For Livvy Dunne, the Olympic flame may have flickered out, but her passion for life—and her willingness to inspire others—burns brighter than ever.