Picture a former LSU gymnast who’s flipped from nailing perfect 10s to dominating the digital world. That’s Olivia Dunne, All-American athlete, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, and entrepreneur with 5.4 million Instagram followers and 8 million on TikTok. Her trophy case sparkles with NCAA accolades, but it’s her magnetic charisma that’s made her a global force. Blending athletic grit with digital savvy, she’s rewriting what it means to be a creator. So, how did this gymnast become a cultural icon?
After proving herself as a standout in LSU’s gymnastics program, Olivia Dunne turned into a media sensation, captivating millions with her vibrant posts and authentic vibe. The physical toll of gymnastics, years of intense training, led to her retirement in 2025, but she didn’t slow down. Instead, she built a digital empire, showcasing the style and personality of female athletes beyond the mat. And now, she’s earned massive recognition that’s got everyone talking. What could it be?
Well, she’s been named a “titan” in TIME’s The 100 Most Influential Creators of 2025, a prestigious honor celebrating the top 100 innovators shaping digital culture. This coveted list, curated by TIME, spotlights those redefining influence in fields like entertainment, sports, and media. But how did Olivia react to this milestone?
On July 9, 2025, Dunne took to Instagram Stories to share her gratitude, posting: “thank you @time for featuring me as a ‘titan’ in the top 100 creators list an honor! alongside some of the greatest!, humbled and honored.” Her words reflect the humility and excitement of joining an elite group of global creators. With 13.4 million followers across platforms, she’s not just a number; she’s a voice for Gen Z, blending glamorous brand deals with raw honesty about her journey. How does she keep it real amidst the pressures of fame?
Talking about the impact of social media, Dunne once said, “I was 18 years old when everything changed, and I felt like I couldn’t breathe, I felt like I couldn’t make a mistake. But something you learn on social media is you will get hate and you will get people that are bitter towards you, especially when you have success. But I think that having the eyes on me has been such a blessing in my life, and I feel like it’s translated over into eyes on the sport of gymnastics, which was a huge deal to me and a huge reason why I kept coming back for more. … Watching the growth of the sport, and women’s sports overall, has meant so much to me.”
Despite facing stalking fears and the grind of public life, Dunne’s resilience shines. Her role in the booming creator economy, which TIME notes outpaces traditional media revenue, proves she’s a trailblazer. As she shapes digital culture, one question lingers: How will Olivia Dunne keep pushing the boundaries of influence?
Olivia Dunne is redefining influence through athletics and digital presence
Well, back when Olivia Dunne was a homeschooled teen in New Jersey, she had big dreams taped to her mirror, a paper cutout of Instagram’s blue check mark. “It was always a goal of mine to get that blue check mark on Instagram,” the 22-year-old LSU grad tells TIME. Fast-forward to 2025, and Livvy’s not just checked that box; she’s rewritten the playbook for college athletes. With 5.4 million Instagram followers and 8 million on TikTok, she’s a digital dynamo who turned her gymnastics grit into a cultural phenomenon. But how did a gymnast become a trailblazer?
Dunne’s journey took off at LSU, where her freshman season in 2021 coincided with a game-changing Supreme Court ruling allowing NCAA athletes to monetize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). With her already buzzing social media presence, she seized the moment, landing deals with American Eagle, L’Oreal, and Vuori. By her final season, her endorsements hit $4.1 million, making her the highest-paid female college athlete and a top-five earner overall. “I can tell you one thing, nobody expected a gymnast to be at the forefront of NIL and collegiate athletics,” Dunne says. So, what’s next for this barrier-breaker?
Now retired from gymnastics, Dunne’s eyeing modeling, acting, and YouTube vlogs. Her legacy? It’s about shattering expectations. “Breaking down barriers and beating everyone’s expectations was very fun,” she reflects. “The legacy that I’m leaving, I hope it’s bigger than me.” As she steps into new arenas, one question looms: How will Livvy Dunne keep reshaping the game?
The post Olivia Dunne Issues Heartfelt Response to TIME Magazine’s Latest Honor appeared first on EssentiallySports.
