Much has changed for Olivia Dunne over the past year — including her ever-evolving fan base.
In a recent interview on the “Full Send Podcast,” the star LSU gymnast elaborated on her encounters with autograph seekers following a moment at last month’s College World Series in Omaha, where the broadcast appeared to capture her signing memorabilia for an older gentleman.
“Ever since I did Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit], too, there’s like 12-year-olds and then their dads, which is like, I mean it kinda comes with what I do,” said Dunne, who made her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut this spring.
“But usually whenever people come up to me and they’re older they say it’s for their daughter’s friend’s sister’s brother’s dog.”
When it comes to meeting female fans, however, the New Jersey native remarked that they’re “a little more reserved.”
“They usually don’t come up to me as much as the guys or at least they’re a little more nervous to,” Dunne said. “I love meeting all my fans, but especially the girls. They’re always so sweet.”
With more than 11 million followers between her TikTok and Instagram pages, Dunne’s star has only continued to rise in the past year, along with her NIL valuation of $3.3 million, according to On3 Sports.
Beyond the College World Series, where Dunne’s beloved LSU Tigers topped the Florida Gators in the decisive game, 18-4, she has also encountered fans at gymnastics meets, including a wild scene from January.
When asked about male fans showing up to events, Dunne remarked how this year has been the “craziest.”
“At the Utah meet this year it was a bit crazy,” Dunne said of the January match.
At the time, fans were seen holding up Dunne-centric signs at the event even though she wasn’t in the lineup.
Dunne later issued a statement on Twitter, asking fans to “be respectful” to fellow competitors.
“I will always appreciate and love the support from you guys, but if you come to a meet, I want to ask you to please be respectful of the other gymnasts and the gymnastics community as we are just doing our job,” she wrote.
Dunne is now entering her senior year at LSU.
