An American gymnastics prospect has been reborn as an influencer.
Olivia Dun (24) followed the elite gymnastics track from childhood. In 2017 she was selected for the U.S. junior national team and emerged as a promising talent. She later competed on the NCAA stage for the LSU Tigers, steadily making her presence felt. In particular, she contributed to the team's first-ever NCAA championship in 2024, leaving a meaningful mark as an athlete.
But behind the glitzy spotlight was the shadow of injury. Plagued by shoulder, arm and knee injuries, Dun ultimately announced her retirement in 2025. Her career as an athlete stopped, but her name recognition only grew.
The real game began on social media. Sharing daily life and lifestyle content centered on TikTok, Dun received an explosive response. When the NCAA allowed athletes to earn money from their "name, image and likeness (NIL)," she instantly became a symbol of a "money-making athlete." She transformed into a superstar who earns hundreds of millions of won from a single post.
She added modeling and broadcasting activities to that. She was chosen as a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, boosting her public recognition. In 2026 she was even confirmed to appear in the drama "Baywatch reboot." She completely broke the mold of being a former athlete and expanded her realm into entertainment.
Her personal life is also a topic of interest. Dating Major League Baseball pitcher Paul Skenes publicly, she has consistently shared a faith-based life and secured another group of fans.
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