LSU Gymnastics Star Olivia Dunne Cheers SEC Championship Victory

March 23, 2024: LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant, Olivia Dunne, KJ Johnson, Chase Brock, Alexis Jeffrey and Annie Beard pose with the SEC Championship Trophy after NCAA Gymnastics action in the SEC Championships at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. Jonathan Mailhes/CSM (Credit Image: © Jonathan Mailhes/Cal Sport Media) Newscom/(Mega Agency TagID: csmphotothree244973.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]

Olivia Dunne, a standout in LSU gymnastics, radiated joy following the Lady Tigers’ fifth conference triumph on Saturday evening in New Orleans!

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Olivia Dunne Is Celebrating The Big Win

Claiming the No. 3 spot in the national rankings, the Lady Tigers achieved a remarkable score of 198.075, setting a new program record at the 2024 SEC Championship hosted at the Smoothie King Center.

In a heartwarming scene, Dunne and her fellow teammates reveled in their victory in the locker room, capturing the celebratory moments through videos and photos shared by the 21-year-old, who is also recognized as a top earner in NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, on various social media platforms.

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The ‘Champs’

“SEC CHAMPS BABY,” the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model exclaimed in a TikTok video, showcasing the vibrant purple and yellow confetti swirling around the celebratory scene alongside the SEC Championships trophy.

“Oh my goodness!!!!” Dunne expressed on Instagram, accompanying a snapshot of the team gathered around the coveted trophy, capturing Dunne’s apparent moment of adoration as she leans in for a kiss.

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‘Purple Reign’

Dunne further engaged with her audience by posting snapshots from the event on her Instagram account. Accompanying the images was her caption, “100% chance of purple reign.”

Fans enthusiastically flooded the comments section, extending their congratulations to Dunne for her remarkable achievement.

“Do you need an umbrella? Success is pouring down,” wrote one person, while another expressed, “Congratulations!!!!! Your hard work payed off.”

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Achieving High Scores

Starting the competition on vault, the Tigers, who clinched the regular season’s top spot in the conference, seamlessly transitioned through bars and beam before concluding with floor routines.

Leading the charge on bars, Kiya Johnson showcased her prowess with a score of 9.825, while Ashley Cowan matched her career best, notching an impressive 9.950 in the second position.

Representing her New Jersey roots, Dunne took to the bars in the third slot, marking her second appearance in the event this year, earning a commendable score of 9.800.

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Making History

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Closing out their beam routine with flair, the Tigers achieved their second-highest score in program history, reaching an impressive 49.475.

On bars, LSU demonstrated their strength once more, notching a score of 49.450, marking the team’s second-highest performance on the event during the conference championships.

Gearing Up For The Championships

The SEC Championship victory marked a historic milestone for the LSU gymnastics program, securing its fifth title overall. This legacy includes the inaugural conference triumph in 1981 and three consecutive titles from 2017 to 2019.

Apart from Cowan and Johnson, Haleigh Bryant, Konnor McClain, and KJ Johnson showcased their individual brilliance, collectively earning five SEC champion titles throughout the competition.

Looking ahead, the team gears up for the 2024 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, slated to take place in Fort Worth, Texas, this April.

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Gymnastics Star Turned Social Media Sensation

Dunne is widely recognized in the gymnastics community and has gained substantial fame through her achievements in the sport. She gained significant attention for her performances as a member of the LSU gymnastics team and also through her presence on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

March 8, 2024: LSU's Olivia Dunne smiles to a fan during the Purple and Gold Podium Challenge woman's gymnastics quad meet at the Raising Canes River Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Jonathan Mailhes/CSM (Credit Image: © Jonathan Mailhes/Cal Sport Media) Newscom/(Mega Agency TagID: csmphotothree239106.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]
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Dunne’s popularity was further boosted by her involvement in the NIL deals, where athletes can profit from their own image and brand. As of today, she’s valued at $3.6 million per On3.

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