Home

Olympics

Olivia Dunne Spots Baby Gronk Cheering LSU While Boyfriend Paul Skenes Was Absent From NCAA Finals

Published 04/22/2024, 9:21 AM EDT

Follow Us

Olivia Dunne, a standout in gymnastics and a vital part of LSU’s team, recently became a national champion along with her team. This victory marked LSU’s first NCAA title ever, a historic moment for the program. Dunne’s role was crucial in achieving this milestone, supported by Konnor McClain’s impressive beam performance and the collective excellence of five LSU gymnasts. Even though Dunne didn’t compete on the decisive day, her impact throughout the season was undeniable, earning her recognition as the SEC Gymnast of the Week.

The tension was high as LSU approached the final beam routine, known for its difficulty. When Coach Jay Clark confirmed Aleah Finnegan’s score secured the championship, Dunne couldn’t contain her emotions, shedding tears of joy. However, her boyfriend’s absence was felt keenly, leaving a void in the moment of triumph. Yet, amidst the celebration, someone special was there to offer her support and share in her joy.

The unstoppable force behind Olivia Dunne’s triumphs

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Throughout the NCAA season, the presence of rising football sensation Baby Gronk, an 11-year-old enthusiast, stood out as he avidly supported Olivia Dunne. From the thrilling highs to the nail-biting finals, Baby Gronk’s support for Dunne remained a constant as seen in the finals as well. Recently, in a Snapchat story, Olivia Dunne shared a picture of Baby Gronk playfully teasing her with an “L” sign (Loser), eliciting a playful response from her. Dunne’s lighthearted caption, “PLZ,” encapsulated their playful banter, highlighting the joyful dynamic between the two.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Olympics stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Notably, during LSU’s historic victories over Arkansas and Georgia in February, Baby Gronk was spotted cheering Dunne on, showcasing his undying loyalty. Their camaraderie sparked widespread attention when Julz (Olivia Dunne’s sister) shared a snapshot featuring Baby Gronk and Livvy, with the playful caption, “Ain’t no way it’s Baby Gronk.” This interaction was further amplified in a collage capturing Dunne posing with Baby Gronk, while on the other side, Julz sported a hilariously sarcastic expression.

Their reunion was again seen at the end of Feb this year after the LSU vs. Auburn showdown, as documented on Instagram by Baby Gronk himself. In the images shared, the duo’s infectious chemistry was palpable, and Livvy was even seen kissing him in a friendly way. But how did their paths intertwine, leading to such a close connection?

Unraveling the evolution of Madden and Livvy’s connection

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Baby Gronk, whose original name is Madden San Miguel, crossed paths with Livvy at LSU during his college exploration journey in March 2023. Baby Gronk found himself in the spotlight when their encounter caught the attention of Henry De Tolla, a popular TikToker known as “h00pify.” De Tolla’s viral video humorously suggested that Livvy had persuaded Baby Gronk to commit to LSU by charming him, a notion playfully dubbed as “rizzing him up.

The video, accompanied by witty captions, sparked widespread confusion and amusement online, turning into a viral sensation. Surprisingly, even Olivia Dunne herself was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events. However, it appears with time their bond has evolved into one of mutual support and camaraderie.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Maleehah Shakeel

916Articles

One take at a time

Maleehah Shakeel is an Olympic Sports writer at EssentiallySports who covers equestrian sports, rodeo, bull riding, and Gymnastics. Maleehah’s stories revolve around various brand endorsement deals of athletes like Jessica Springsteen, Jennifer Gates, and Olivia Dunne. She has written in depth about the brand collaboration between Jessica Springsteen and Tommy Hilfiger.
Show More>

Edited by:

Suman Varandani