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In a candid interview with Elle magazine, 20-year-old LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, revealed that she has made the difficult decision to no longer attend in-person classes at LSU due to “safety reasons.”
The profile piece, published on Tuesday, shed light on the challenges Dunne, the NCAA’s highest-paid NIL female athlete, faces while navigating social media fame and her role as a leader in the NIL era.
Dunne, who has been making waves both on and off the gymnastics floor, disclosed that there have been concerning incidents in the past, prompting her to prioritize her safety and well-being. “I don’t want people to know my daily schedule and where I am,” she expressed, alluding to the potential risks associated with her growing popularity.
As a prominent social media influencer with a staggering combined following of almost 12 million on TikTok and Instagram combined, Dunne is acutely aware of the heightened attention she receives.
Walking around the Baton Rouge campus has become a delicate balancing act, as fellow students often approach her for photos and interactions. The increased scrutiny has prompted her to be extra cautious while navigating campus life.
Despite sharing much of her life on social media, Dunne emphasized her desire to keep certain aspects of her personal life private. Remaining single-minded about safeguarding her privacy, she plans to shield her romantic life from the public eye.
Safety concerns have been an ongoing issue for Dunne as she embraces her social media stardom while excelling as a student-athlete.
Her colossal online presence, though celebrated, has also subjected her to negative experiences.
In a separate interview with earlier this year, Dunne disclosed that her massive following has generated threatening comments, leading her to acknowledge that such reactions are “A bit concerning.”
Dunne’s decision to prioritize her safety while continuing to thrive in her gymnastics career and social media prominence highlights the complex challenges that athletes face in the digital age.
As she blazes a trail in the NIL era, her experience serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance between public exposure and personal security.