Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne are the literal sweethearts of the game. Whether it’s Livvy cheering from the stands in a custom jersey or Paul quietly showing up with his calm support, they’ve got each other’s backs. From game days to birthday posts and even raising a pup together, the duo does it all. At the 2025 BBWAA Awards Dinner, Olivia Dunne couldn’t help but gush over Paul Skenes after he received the Rookie of the Year award. But amid all the heartwarming moments and public love, there’s one thing that still lingers in the background — a part of Olivia’s past she hasn’t quite let go of. And in a recent confession, she finally opened up about it…

In her chat with PEOPLE magazine from June 23, she talked of her relationship with her boyfriend and MLB pitcher, Paul Skenes. Looking at her journey with Paul, she said, “We don’t restrict each other from doing things,” she shared, explaining, “I’ve been in relationships in the past like that — where it’s almost like you have a leash on you, you can’t do anything.” Dunne’s past relationship did not have a good ending.

In 2022, she mentioned on the BFFs podcast that she had a boyfriend who couldn’t handle her rising fame, and they broke up shortly after. “That didn’t age well. No, that [relationship] just did not work out,” she had said. But what also didn’t age well was the reason for the breakup. BFFs host Dave Portnoy talked of a woman who was allegedly involved with Olivia Dunne’s ex-boyfriend while he was also seeing the gymnast came forward with direct messages as evidence.

Portnoy stated that one of the DMs included a screenshot of a message sent to Olivia Dunne, which read: “Here’s me with your boyfriend in bed.” The 22-year-old did not confirm or deny the allegation. However, her visible reaction suggested the claim may be true. But whether the rumor may be true or not, it does not matter. Today, she is in a much happier and understandable relationship.

“But he has a job to do and I have a job to do — I know that’s so important for two young kids in a relationship to realize,” The former LSU gymnast told PEOPLE. “So yeah, we just have a good time and it’s a two-way road.” Paul (23), now a rising MLB pitcher with the Pirates, maintains a demanding, high-pressure schedule. Olivia (22), fresh off her NCAA gymnastics career, shifted focus to NIL deals, content creation, as well as modeling for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. Despite their tight schedules, they often find time to support each other.

Times when Paul Skenes showed up for Olivia Dunne

From the earliest days of their relationship, Paul consistently made his presence known at Olivia’s gymnastics meets. In January 2025, he attended her season-opening dual meet against Iowa State at LSU, standing in the stands as she scored impressive marks like a 9.825 on beam and 9.875 on floor. Just days later, he traveled to Oklahoma for the Sprouts Farmers Market Collegiate Quad—cheering on her performances and even sharing her floor routine on his Instagram Story, which she reshared with a heart emoji. 

Beyond the competition floor, Paul supported Livvy through vulnerable moments, too. When she suffered a season-ending kneecap injury on March 6, he couldn’t be there in person as he was in spring training, but he sent comforting gestures—Starbucks, flowers, and her favorite Raising Cane’s meal, via DoorDash, a thoughtful reminder of his care during a tough time. Earlier, he lent his voice to a hype video promoting LSU gymnastics ahead of the NCAA regionals, a behind-the-scenes show of support that Olivia Dunne called “iconic”.

Even off the mat, Paul and Livvy’s bond was on display. They shared a cozy date after the BBWAA Rookie of the Year Awards in January 2025 at a romantic Central Park walk. In July 2024, Livvy proudly walked the red carpet alongside Paul at the MLB All-Star Game, cheering him on as he started and supported him through his rookie season journey. What are your thoughts on this power couple?