When star gymnast Simone Biles chose to withdraw from the team final at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, it sent shockwaves through the sports world. But beyond the media frenzy, her courage left a deep and lasting mark on generations of athletes-like Olivia Dunne, who recently revealed how that moment inspired her to take care of her own mental health.
“I guess it was better that she stepped out… you don’t want to get injured at an Olympic Games,”Livvy said last year during her final season with the LSU Tigers gymnastics team. For her, Simone’s example wasn’t just understandable-it was necessary. The message was clear: it’s not just about medals, it’s about emotional well-being. Dunne opens up about pressure in women’s gymnastics
With nearly 20 years in the sport, Dunne has experienced the physical and mental toll of elite gymnastics. “Most gymnasts go through that at least once in their career. I did,” she admitted in a recent interview. Like Biles, Livvy also needed help to deal with her own internal struggles.
In her appearance on the YouTube podcast What’s Your Story?, hosted by Steph McMahon, Dunne spoke for the first time about the support system that got her through her darkest moments. She referenced what gymnasts call the “twisties”-a mental disorientation that can put an athlete at serious risk. “I don’t even like saying that word,” she confessed, “but it really is a mental game.”
Olivia on balance and health
Unlike Simone, who in Tokyo was supported by Dr. Marcia Faustin, Olivia found her main source of support in someone closer to home: her aunt, Laura St. John. “She was my mental health coach… she changed my career,” Livvy shared, visibly moved. That support not only helped her stay grounded during competitions but also pushed her to dream bigger. “To this day, I talk to her, and she helps me bring my dreams to life,” she explained. For Olivia, her aunt wasn’t just an emotional guide-she was a key part of her success in a sport as demanding as artistic gymnastics.
Olivia Dunne retires and closes a chapter
With the end of the NCAA season, Olivia Dunne has officially wrapped up her gymnastics career. Although she and Simone Biles once shared a spot on the U.S. national team, their paths are now diverging. At 22, Livvy is entering a new chapter off the mat, while Simone has yet to define her future.
When Strength Meets Self-Care
In a world where elite athletes are praised for pushing through pain, Olivia Dunne is choosing a different route—one paved with self-awareness, courage, and a commitment to her mental health. Inspired by Olympic legend Simone Biles, Dunne has decided to form her own mental health team, breaking the silence surrounding athlete wellness and rewriting what strength really means. Let’s dive into this empowering story and explore why Olivia’s decision is bigger than just gymnastics.
The Mental Health Wake-Up Call in Sports
Simone Biles—The Spark That Lit the Flame
In 2021, Simone Biles made headlines when she withdrew from Olympic events to prioritize her mental well-being. What looked like a shock to the sports world became a global lesson in courage. Biles showed us that sometimes the bravest thing an athlete can do… is step back.
Olivia Dunne Takes Notice
Fast forward to today, and Olivia Dunne, LSU gymnastics star and one of the most followed college athletes on social media, is taking that message to heart. Known for her performances and influencer status, Dunne felt the increasing weight of expectations and the toxic perfectionism that often comes with fame.
Why Olivia Dunne’s Move Is So Powerful
Athletes Aren’t Superhuman
Even the strongest competitors need help. Dunne’s decision to build a support team dedicated to her mental health proves just that. Instead of bottling things up, she’s normalizing therapy, counseling, and open conversations.
Fighting the Social Media Pressure
With over 10 million combined followers, Dunne’s online presence adds another layer of pressure. Every post, every performance—it’s all judged. Her team will help her navigate these waters with tools to stay grounded and present.
Advocating for Balance
Athletes are often taught to sacrifice everything for the game. But Olivia is choosing balance over burnout. That’s a lesson more young athletes desperately need to hear.
What Her Mental Health Team Looks Like
It’s Not Just a Therapist
Dunne’s mental health squad isn’t just one person—it’s a multi-faceted team, including:
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Licensed sports psychologist
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Mindfulness and meditation coach
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Life coach for emotional resilience
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Social media strategist for online boundaries
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Nutritionist focused on brain health
A 360° Approach to Wellness
Mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all. Olivia’s team focuses on a holistic approach—because how you eat, sleep, think, and connect all impact how you feel.
The Simone Biles Effect Is Real
A Role Model for Mental Strength
Simone didn’t just open doors—she blasted them wide open. Her honesty gave athletes like Olivia permission to speak up and seek help without shame.
A Ripple Effect in Sports Culture
Thanks to Biles, mental health conversations are now part of the locker room, not just whispered in private. Olivia’s move proves this isn’t a trend—it’s a cultural shift.
Breaking the Mental Health Stigma
Mental Illness ≠ Weakness
For decades, athletes were told to “tough it out.” But Dunne is helping break the toxic narrative that mental health struggles are a sign of weakness. They’re not. They’re human.
Creating a Safe Space for Athletes
By being transparent about her journey, Olivia is helping others feel less alone. She’s saying, “It’s okay to need help. It’s okay to ask.”
The Impact on Gen Z and College Athletes
Real Talk for the TikTok Generation
Gen Z doesn’t want polished perfection—they want realness. Olivia’s honesty is a powerful antidote to the highlight reels on social media.
From Gymnast to Advocate
Dunne isn’t just performing routines—she’s becoming a voice for mental health awareness in college athletics.
The Role of NIL and Public Pressure
Fame Comes with a Price Tag
With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, athletes like Olivia Dunne are now brands. That visibility can be thrilling—but also mentally draining.
Her Team Helps Her Stay Grounded
Having a mental health team helps her handle the spotlight, manage deals, and stay connected to her authentic self.
Tools and Techniques Olivia Is Using
Daily Meditation and Mindfulness
To stay focused, Olivia includes short breathing exercises, visualization, and gratitude journaling in her routine.
Therapy Sessions with a Sports Psychologist
These sessions help her process emotions, anxiety, and performance pressures—key for staying mentally fit during competition.
Digital Detoxes and Boundaries
She’s learned to set limits on screen time, take social media breaks, and protect her energy.
What This Means for the Future of Sports
A Blueprint for Other Athletes
Olivia’s decision might just spark a wave. If more athletes build mental health teams, we might see happier, longer-lasting careers.
Changing Coaching Conversations
Imagine a coach asking, “How are you feeling?” instead of just, “How did you perform?” That’s the future Olivia is helping shape.
What Parents and Young Athletes Can Learn
Normalize Talking About Mental Health
Parents, coaches, and athletes must realize mental health is as important as physical health. Olivia’s move is a call to action.
Success Without Sacrifice
Success shouldn’t cost your sanity. Dunne proves that you can chase dreams without losing yourself.
Conclusion – Olivia Dunne’s Legacy Beyond the Gym
What Olivia Dunne is doing right now goes far beyond gymnastics. By prioritizing her mental health, forming a personalized support team, and sharing her journey openly, she’s creating a new gold standard for wellness in sports.
This isn’t just about Olivia. It’s about every young athlete watching her and thinking, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” And that—more than any medal—is what true leadership looks like.
