Livvy Dunne emotional while saying ‘thank you’ to gymnastic

After a successful career in gymnastics, Livvy Dunne has officially bid farewell to the sport. The 22-year-old decided to hang up her leotards after her LSU Tigers were unable to defend their national championship earlier this month. Despite having a fifth year of eligibility, Dunne felt that it was the right time to move on from competitive gymnastics.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Dunne shared a video montage of her gymnastics journey, from her toddler days to her time at LSU. Reflecting on her two decades in the sport, she expressed gratitude for the memories and experiences that shaped her into the person she is today. Watching the video brought tears to her eyes as she realized how quickly time had flown by.

“Gymnastics, you have filled my heart and will always be a part of me,” Dunne said in the video. “You shaped me into the person I am today, creating memories and sisterhoods that will last a lifetime beyond the sport. You were my first love… And yes, time did fly by. And I will cherish every memory for the rest of my life. Thank you for everything, gymnastics. You were so good to me.”

Dunne had been sidelined with an injury, an avulsion fracture of her patella, since her last competition in January. Despite this setback, she remained one of the NCAA’s top earners through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and had a massive following on social media platforms. Her presence played a significant role in helping LSU secure its first NCAA title last year.

As Dunne transitions into the next chapter of her life, her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, has been by her side to offer support. While LSU may not have repeated as national champions, Dunne’s impact on the sport and the university will not be forgotten.

In other gymnastics news, Utah secured its fifth consecutive Final Four appearance at the NCAA women’s gymnastics championship, joining UCLA, Oklahoma, and Missouri in the prestigious event. Despite the end of Dunne’s competitive career, the world of gymnastics continues to thrive with new talent and exciting competitions on the horizon.

Fox News Digital and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Stay tuned for more updates on sports news and events.