At 22 years old, Olivia Dunne is experiencing a new chapter where her life under public scrutiny has intensified due to her relationship with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. Speaking at Fanatics Fest in New York this summer, Dunne discussed the complexities of balancing a flourishing personal relationship and her own professional ambitions. The former LSU gymnast, now widely recognized beyond gymnastics arenas and social media platforms, attends baseball games across the country to support Skenes while managing her expanding business ventures. Their growing visibility has brought both admiration and public examination.
I think that everything is a two-way road, so being fair,
Olivia Dunne said, reflecting on the give-and-take nature of her relationship with Skenes.
I’m trying to go to as many baseball games as I can. I really just enjoy watching him and he’s always on the go,
she added, emphasizing how her schedule now intertwines with his professional commitments. These experiences have highlighted the pressures of living in the public eye and prompted Dunne to seek guidance from unexpected role models.
Finding Inspiration in Taylor Swift’s Approach to Public Life
Dunne has openly admired Taylor Swift’s navigation of fame and personal relationships, drawing parallels with Swift’s own partnership with NFL star Travis Kelce. She explained how observing Swift’s handling of public criticism and her balance of professional success alongside a high-profile relationship encourages Dunne to forge her own path.
[Taylor] has her boyfriend that’s a professional athlete, and my boyfriend is a professional athlete as well,
Dunne explained.
And she has her own success and I have my own success, so I try to look at her perspective on things and how she handles criticism, how she navigates.
She further acknowledged the toll that public scrutiny can take, especially on women with larger followings.
I think that she takes the heat a lot worse than I do, because, I mean, the bigger you are, the more people you have trying to tear you down.
This comparison to Swift and Kelce underscores the intense attention Dunne faces, not only as a public figure in her own right but now also as the partner of an emerging star in Major League Baseball.
The Challenges of Visibility Amid Sports and Social Media
Olivia Dunne’s rise to fame began long before her relationship with Paul Skenes was public. As an LSU gymnastics standout and an influential figure in the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, she built a powerful personal brand. However, since news of her partnership with Skenes broke in August 2023, Dunne has felt her identity intertwined with his career, leading to both support and scrutiny.
It just really resonated with me. It’s a unique position to be in. And I think for some people, women in sports is uncomfortable for some reason,
Dunne remarked in an interview with PageSix, highlighting the cultural challenges still present for women athletes.
Her experiences have included facing criticism over extending her college eligibility, a decision met with derision despite similar allowances for male athletes in football and basketball. Dunne contested misconceptions by reminding detractors she had relinquished her scholarship for another athlete, illustrating the complexities behind the headlines she faces.
She also addressed online harassment directly, once responding to a troll’s sarcastic remark about her NCAA eligibility on TikTok. The backlash extended beyond eligibility questions to include criticism of NCAA judging and negative reactions to her attending MLB games with Skenes, with some accusing her of being out of place.
These instances have forced Dunne to adapt quickly, developing strategies to cope with the ongoing dynamics of public perception and the harshness that often accompanies it.
Missed Championship Moments and Public Curiosity
In 2024, LSU secured its first NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship, a historic victory that stirred considerable excitement among fans. However, Dunne’s absence from both the semifinals and finals generated curiosity and speculation. Despite a solid season and rumors she was considering retirement, many were puzzled to see the star gymnast observing from the sidelines during LSU’s milestone achievement.
Her decision not to compete raised questions about her future and reinforced the increased public interest in every aspect of her career as she balances personal choices with professional legacies.
Drawing Parallels: Could Dunne and Skenes Mirror the Swift-Kelce Phenomenon in Baseball?
Olivia Dunne’s presence at Major League Baseball games has attracted notable attention, often likened to Taylor Swift‘s high-profile appearances at NFL matches with Travis Kelce. A broadcast in Minnesota even featured Dunne in a celebrity look-alike segment, where viewers quickly associated her with Swift’s unique blend of fame and sports culture.
The analogy focuses less on direct athletic comparisons and more on the way both women captivate audiences across traditional boundaries of sport and entertainment. Fans have expressed enthusiasm for the crossover appeal, recognizing Dunne as a figure who brings together different fanbases and sparks fresh interest.
Taylor Swift in a baseball cap, now that’s a game,
a fan noted, underscoring the novelty and cultural impact of her appearances alongside Paul Skenes.
Their attendance together at Super Bowl LIX further amplified the comparison. When Dunne cheerfully declared,
Tomorrow for the game I am rooting for the Chiefs,
she declared herself not just as a companion but as an active participant in sports fandom, asserting her identity within the larger conversation of sports and culture.
As Dunne and Skenes continue to share public moments, their relationship fuels ongoing debates about celebrity, athletic success, and the evolving roles of star couples in the public eye. Whether they ultimately become baseball’s version of Swift and Kelce remains uncertain, but their journey has already reshaped conversations around sports partnerships and public presence.
The Broader Implications of Dunne’s Public Life Journey
Olivia Dunne’s evolving public life exemplifies the delicate balance women in sports must strike between their own achievements and the scrutiny that accompanies romantic partnerships in the limelight. Her story goes beyond gymnastics and baseball; it is a reflection of the persistent challenges faced by female athletes who strive to maintain individuality amid widespread public judgment.
By seeking inspiration from figures like Taylor Swift, Dunne is learning how to navigate criticism, maintain resilience, and assert control over her narrative. This approach highlights the evolving nature of fame, where personal success and partnership coexist under constant observation.
As Dunne and Paul Skenes build their presence together, their dynamic invites a broader dialogue about identity, privacy, and perseverance in modern sports culture. The public and media will continue to watch closely, eager to see how they manage the intensified spotlight and what paths they carve out for themselves in the years ahead.