Olivia Dunne, girlfriend of Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, attended the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday at Truist Park in Atlanta to cheer for Skenes, who started in his second consecutive Midsummer Classic. Her presence highlighted the strong support she offers as Skenes continues to make an impact for the Pirates.
After the game, Dunne appeared on the podcast What’s Your Story? With Steph McMahon, hosted by the former WWE executive, where she discussed her approach to managing criticism on social media amid her growing public profile.
Methods Olivia Dunne Uses to Manage Social Media Criticism
Olivia Dunne, who has a significant social media following, spoke candidly about dealing with negativity online during her conversation with Steph McMahon. She emphasized personal control over one’s social media environment as a key strategy to staying confident.
“I’m going to be completely honest, either you have to ignore them or block them,” Dunne said. “I have no shame in blocking people or unfollowing. If you are getting hate and you don’t wanna see it, you have control over your account; that’s the fun part of social media. You get to not share what you don’t wanna share. If you see something you don’t like, I just block it.”
Dunne also reflected on the persistent challenges she faces despite her successes, explaining how negativity often follows positive milestones.
“I’ve noticed the more you do right, the more people try to knock you down. Every single time when something good is happening or I’m gonna have a breakthrough, whether it’s a huge new collaboration or whether it is a Sports Illustrated cover, there’s always the down; there are always people trying to pull you down.
Olivia Dunne Discusses Her Unexpected Experience at the Sports Illustrated Event
Earlier this year, Olivia Dunne graced the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition and made her runway debut at the event in Miami, where she impressed the audience by performing a split. She described her feelings and the preparation leading up to the show.
“I went to Miami. I had no clue what to expect,” Dunne explained. “I’ve never walked a runway a day in my life. I’ve only ever walked in my bedroom mirror after watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show growing up. I’ve literally never walked a runway.”
“So, I get to the rehearsal and you just do a quick run through of the show. Literally, two hours before the show. And they’re like, ‘OK, Liv, you’re opening the show.’ Oh shoot, I’ve never even watched someone walk down the runway in person.”
Life After Gymnastics and Continued Support for Paul Skenes
Since retiring from gymnastics following five years representing the LSU Tigers, Olivia Dunne has pursued various interests beyond the sport. She has also been frequently seen at PNC Park, showing steadfast support for Paul Skenes during his pitching starts for the Pirates.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has anyone found the Paul Skenes?
A. An 11-year-old collector from California discovered a rare Paul Skenes baseball card. The Pirates are willing to offer 30 years of season tickets behind home plate in exchange for it.
Q. How much is Paul Skenes getting paid?
A. Paul Skenes advanced through the MLB’s farm system and began playing in the major leagues in 2024. He received a signing bonus of $9.2 million in 2023. The following year, he agreed to a one-year agreement with the Pirates, earning a $740,000 salary before arbitration.
Q. Did anybody find the Paul Skenes card?
A. An 11-year-old from Los Angeles has discovered the much-desired rookie card, as announced by Topps on Tuesday.
Q. Does Paul Skenes still have to serve?
A. Paul Skenes chose a path in Major League Baseball rather than the military. Even so, he continues to support people who served in the armed forces.