For Olivia Dunne, the year 2025 represented far more than just the conclusion of an illustrious collegiate gymnastics journey. It was a period defined by significant personal and professional evolution, where her roles as a top-tier athlete, a celebrated public figure, and a steadfast partner seamlessly intertwined. As she closed the book on her fifth and final season with the LSU Tigers, Dunne took a moment to look back on a year filled with both planned achievements and unexpectedly heartfelt instances.
A Year Packed with Major Milestones
Dunne recently shared a collection of images that perfectly encapsulated her 2025. The carousel post featured highlights from a remarkably busy year. It included powerful shots of her performing a floor routine for the LSU Tigers, a monumental career highlight with her appearance on the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, and a glamorous moment from walking the MLB All-Star red carpet for the second consecutive year. She captioned the nostalgic post simply: “2025 wrapped?♀️??”
The Viral Moment That Stole Hearts
However, one of the most genuine and talked-about moments of her year was conspicuously absent from her own recap. Her sister, Julz Dunne, quickly stepped in to ensure it wasn't overlooked. Julz reposted a short, candid clip filmed at Great American Ball Park during the final start of the season for Dunne's boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.
The video captured Olivia in the stands, reacting in real-time as Skenes recorded the final out. He had just completed six scoreless innings, sealing a dominant end to his 2025 campaign. The footage showed Dunne pumping her fist, her expression one of pure, unadulterated excitement and pride, completely absorbed in the athlete's triumph.
Authenticity Trumps Polish
This clip resonated deeply with fans precisely because of its raw authenticity. Cameras caught Dunne mid-celebration, with visible sweat marks and her emotions completely unguarded. This provided a striking contrast to the highly polished and curated images typically associated with her public persona. “don’t forget about this,” Julz wrote in her post. Dunne replied in a playful tone, “some things are meant to be left in 2025.”
The ballpark scene instantly went viral across social media platforms. Fans widely applauded Dunne as the epitome of a supportive girlfriend, noting her consistent presence in the stands for Skenes' most significant professional milestones. It highlighted a side of her that the public cherishes—one of genuine, unfiltered support.
As the curtain falls on 2025, this viral moment serves as a gentle reminder. The most meaningful memories are not always crafted under the bright lights of a stadium or on the glossy pages of a magazine. Sometimes, they unfold quietly in the stands, where real, imperfect, and heartfelt support shines through, creating moments that truly connect with people.
