Former LSU gymnastics star Olivia Dunne recently offered her followers a heartfelt and intimate peek into her Christmas Eve festivities. Through social media, Dunne shared cherished moments spent with her family and close friends, alongside images of her beautifully decorated home. These posts arrive during a significant transitional period for the athlete, as she navigates life after stepping away from elite competitive gymnastics.
A Cozy Christmas Eve with Loved Ones
On Instagram, Olivia Dunne posted a charming collage of Polaroid-style photos capturing the essence of her holiday. In the images, she is seen smiling warmly, dressed in a comfortable red outfit, surrounded by her nearest and dearest. The snapshot collection featured precious moments with her sister, Julianna Dunne, other family members, and her beloved dog, Roux. She captioned the simple yet festive post with just the words, “Christmas Eve.”
Beyond the family gathering, Dunne also took a subtle yet public moment to show support for her boyfriend, baseball star Paul Skenes. As part of her holiday preparations, she shared a photo of a custom Christmas tree ornament. The decoration prominently featured the Pittsburgh Pirates logo and the inscription “2025 CY.” This was a clear and proud nod to Skenes' monumental achievement of winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2025.
Embracing a New Chapter After Gymnastics
Olivia Dunne's Christmas celebration comes as she continues to adjust to a major life change. Her official farewell to LSU gymnastics came after the team's elimination in the NCAA semi-finals. Injuries impacted the final stages of her five-year collegiate career, preventing her from competing at the 2025 NCAA Championships. Since retiring from the sport, Dunne has successfully pivoted her focus toward content creation, modeling, and building her social media presence.
In a conversation with NCAA’s Michella Chester, Dunne opened up about this transition. “It’s so weird to think about not doing a sport anymore, but I’m excited to say yes to all the opportunities that I couldn’t say yes to because of gymnastics. And honestly, just have some fun,” she shared. Her post-athletic career is already flourishing; 2025 saw her grace the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and Maxim, and she earned a prestigious spot on the Time100 Creators list. Forbes has also recognized her as one of the top creators in the industry.
Looking Ahead with Excitement
While her Christmas Eve was a reflection of tradition and family—described as fancy yet subtle, focusing on the true spirit of the holiday—it also symbolized her new beginning. Olivia Dunne is now fully embracing the opportunities that come with her evolved public profile. From high-profile magazine features to supporting her partner's athletic triumphs, she is crafting a vibrant and multifaceted career path beyond the gymnastics mat. Her social media posts provide a window into this journey, blending personal joy with professional milestones.
