Why does Olivia Dunne not compete in the Olympic Games?
Olivia Dunne, the star gymnast of the LSU Tigers women's gymnastics team, has not competed in the Olympic Games despite her successful elite career. Here are a few key reasons why:
Dunne began her elite gymnastics career relatively late, making her debut at the 2014 American Classic when she was 12 years old.
By the time she reached the junior national team in 2017, she was already 15 years old, which is considered quite old for an elite gymnast. The Olympics typically feature gymnasts in their late teens or early 20s.
Dunne has faced several injuries throughout her career, including torn labrums, a torn bicep, and a stress reaction in her leg.
These setbacks have caused her to miss significant portions of her NCAA seasons at LSU. Injuries can be detrimental to an elite gymnast's chances of making an Olympic team.
After joining the LSU Tigers in 2020, Dunne has focused on her NCAA career, helping the team win its first-ever NCAA championship in 2024.
She has stated that she is considering returning to LSU for a fifth year of eligibility, further indicating her commitment to the collegiate level rather than pursuing an Olympic spot.