May 16, 2025

LSU’s Olivia Dunne to Host Kentucky Derby Weekend Events

News Summary

Olivia Dunne, LSU gymnast and social media sensation, will deliver the ‘Riders Up’ command at the Kentucky Derby weekend. Alongside former MLB All-Star Jayson Werth, she will co-host Sports Illustrated’s exclusive Club SI event, enhancing her profile beyond gymnastics. At 22, Dunne has amassed over 15 million social media followers and has an impressive NIL valuation. Her relationship with MLB pitcher Paul Skenes has also drawn media attention. Dunne continues to inspire young athletes by emphasizing personal branding and opportunities in sports.

Louisville – LSU gymnast and renowned social media influencer Olivia Dunne is poised to make a notable appearance during the 2025 Kentucky Derby weekend by delivering the “Riders Up” command on May 2 at Churchill Downs. This iconic command serves to signal jockeys to mount their horses for the prestigious Kentucky Oaks, further solidifying Dunne’s burgeoning role in the intersection of sports and entertainment.

Dunne will also serve as co-host for Sports Illustrated’s exclusive Club SI event during the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby, along with former MLB All-Star Jayson Werth. This involvement will present attendees with a luxurious experience while showcasing the Derby’s grandeur. Dunne’s participation highlights her elite status and crossover appeal, as she becomes increasingly recognized beyond her gymnastics career.

At just 22 years old, Dunne has recently concluded her gymnastics career, retiring after completing her fifth season with LSU gymnastics. Her tenure with the team culminated in a third-place finish at the National Championships, while she significantly contributed to LSU’s history by helping the team secure its first national title in the 2023-24 season. During her collegiate gymnastics career, she achieved a career-high score of 9.900 on the floor routine on two occasions, affirming her talent and dedication.

Dunne’s influence extends far beyond the gymnastics floor. She has gained considerable celebrity on social media, boasting over 15 million followers across various platforms, making her the most followed NCAA athlete. Additionally, her trailblazing Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) valuation is estimated at $4.1 million, showcasing her success in personal branding and the vast financial opportunities available for student-athletes today.

Personal Life and Media Attention

Off the athletic stage, Dunne’s personal life has attracted significant media attention, particularly her relationship with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes. The couple met as collegiate athletes at LSU and has been together since their time at the university. Their relationship has drawn comparisons to high-profile couples, such as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, particularly after being featured in a GQ magazine article where they posed in designer attire during a snowstorm in Baton Rouge.

Skenes is also making headlines due to his remarkable performance this MLB season, currently holding a record of 3-2 with a 2.39 ERA and an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 39:4. Notably, he recorded a career-high of nine strikeouts against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a game that Dunne attended. His contributions have led the Pirates to a recent 3-0 shutout win against the Dodgers, helping to improve the team’s overall record to 11-16.

Impact and Legacy

Olivia Dunne continues to break barriers as both an athlete and entrepreneur. Beyond her personal accomplishments, she is actively seeking to educate young girls about the potential of personal branding and the opportunities provided by NIL in sports. Her journey emphasizes the ability of student-athletes to leverage their platforms in meaningful ways while encouraging the next generation to explore and maximize their potential.

As she prepares to take on her role at the Kentucky Derby weekend, Dunne’s extensive achievements and charismatic presence exemplify a new era where the realms of sports and entertainment are increasingly interconnected.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

LSU’s Olivia Dunne Named Grand Marshal of Krewe of Endymion
LSU Gymnast Livvy Dunne Announces Retirement from Gymnastics
Livvy Dunne Moves On: Celebrating Her Gymnastics Journey
Livvy Dunne Launches ‘The Livvy Fund’ to Empower Female Athletes
LSU Provost Roy Haggerty Steps Down in Leadership Shake-Up
LSU Bids Farewell to Gymnastics Star Livvy Dunne
LSU Gymnastics Advances to Regional Finals at University Park
New Orleans Hosts Match Day 2025 Celebrations
LSU Baseball Dominates UNO with 11-1 Victory
Freshman Gymnast at LSU Exemplifies Academic and Athletic Success

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER

The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.

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