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Gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne said she still can't believe winning the NCAA women's gymnastics championship with the LSU Tigers after the team breezed past California, Utah and Florida on Saturday night.
The Tigers scored 198.2250 to claim their maiden NCAA title inside Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The Golden and Purple Squad were all over the California Bears’ women's gymnastics team who ended as runner-up after posting a team score of 197.8500 points.
While Olivia Dunne didn't compete on Saturday night, she was a vital performer for LSU throughout the season. Dunne regularly registered scores of above 9.5 and was seen cheering hard in the stands for the Tigresses.
Speaking with Today in an interview, the 21-year-old TikTok sensation claimed that winning the NCAA Championship was still feeling ‘unreal’ to her. Dunne said she would think about that winning moment for the rest of her life.
"You know what, it is still feeling just unreal, I'm still trying to get my voice back from cheering so loud. It was an unforgettable experience, and I'll probably be thinking about it for the rest of my life," she said.
LSU Tigers were led by brilliant performances from Haleigh Bryant, Konnor McClain and Aleah Finnegan on championship night. The best of all was Finnegan, who performed the pivotal routine that handed LSU the championship over No. 3 California. Olivia Dunne was highly impressed with her, stating:
"It was probably one of the best beam routines I've ever seen her do. Tears filled my eyes, tears filled Tigers' fans eyes, tears filled her eyes — it was amazing."
“It (National Championship) definitely makes me want to come back”- Olivia Dunne on returning for 5th year at LSU
Olivia Dunne is currently in her 4th and potentially last year at Louisiana State University. However, having been part of the COVID-19 era, she is eligible for a 5th year. But the 21-year-old hasn't revealed her intentions of coming back for the 5th year yet.
However, speaking with Today, Dunne said that winning the National Championship had put the thoughts of coming back for a fifth year in her mind. But, she added that she was yet to make a decision.
"It definitely makes me want to come back, but I haven't quite thought about it completely. I've just been focused on the now and winning this national title, so I'll definitely start thinking about it," Dunne said.
Olivia Dunne started her career as an elite gymnast and was part of the USA National team as well at the 2017 Jesolo Trophy. However, she made a switch to collegiate gymnastics after receiving an offer from LSU and has remained away from an elite career till now, with no intentions of going to the Olympics ever.
