Livvy Dunne recently shared a throwback photo that reveals a very different version of herself. The LSU legend and social media star posted a picture from 2016, showing her as a normal teenage girl. Today, she stands as one of the most famous faces in college sports.
A Glimpse Into The Past
On Monday, Dunne joined the viral "2016 nostalgia" trend sweeping social media. Many users are sharing old photos to remember simpler times. Livvy Dunne posted a photo of herself at age thirteen, and the reaction was instant.
In the photo, a young Dunne stands in front of a purple wall covered with LSU logos. She wears lilac leggings, a gray tank top, and flip-flops. Her hair is brown, long, and natural. This look presents a big change from the glamorous appearances fans see today.
She later added a second photo of herself and wrote, "why are yall actually looking good in 2016?" The post clearly resonated with her followers.
From Teenager To College Sports Icon
Now twenty-three years old, Dunne has transformed into a global influencer. She is a former national champion gymnast and a cover star for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her social media presence is massive, with over thirteen million followers across Instagram and TikTok.
Her success online has helped her earn an estimated six million dollars through brand deals. She signed partnerships with major brands like Vuori, Grubhub, Bodyarmor, American Eagle, and Nautica. She even appeared in a commercial with Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
LSU Journey And Athletic Success
The throwback photo hits close to home for Dunne. She enrolled at LSU in 2020 and spent her entire college gymnastics career with the LSU Tigers. She played an impressive role on the team, helping them win a national championship in 2024.
Dunne retired from college gymnastics in February 2025. Her rise online started in 2020 when she joined TikTok during her freshman year. She became active on other social media platforms, initially sharing gymnastics videos and later daily life moments.
Before graduating, Dunne became the highest-earning female athlete in NCAA Name, Image, and Likeness deals. This achievement cemented her status as a trailblazer in college sports marketing.
Life After Gymnastics
After retiring from gymnastics, her fame did not slow down. She walked the runway at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show and even performed the splits on stage. She later appeared in major photo shoots for publications like Maxim.
Off the runway, Livvy Dunne often supports her boyfriend, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes, at Pittsburgh Pirates games. This high-profile relationship keeps her in the spotlight even more. Even without active competition, she remains one of the most watched women in sports today.
The Power Of Social Media
Dunne's story highlights the incredible power of social media in modern sports. Her journey from a teenager posting videos to a multi-million dollar influencer is remarkable. It shows how athletes can build personal brands and connect directly with fans.
The nostalgic photo she shared serves as a reminder of her humble beginnings. It contrasts sharply with her current life of fame, brand deals, and public appearances. Yet, the smiling, carefree girl in the 2016 picture is still part of the global star she has become.
