LSU gymnast and top NIL earner Olivia Dunne is no stranger to public attention, but a recent interview from Super Bowl weekend has sparked unexpected criticism.
Social media users were quick to mock her response to a question about her college coursework, with some calling her answer “dumb” and questioning her academic commitments.
Dunne’s interview clip goes viral
During an interview at Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Dunne was asked a seemingly simple question: “What’s the hardest class you’re taking in college right now?”
The 21-year-old, who is in her fifth year at LSU due to extended NCAA eligibility rules, hesitated briefly before responding: “Oh man, I’m taking two classes, ummmm, both in technology management.”
The interviewer then inquired why she was taking only two courses, prompting Dunne to explain that she had already completed her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies.
However, to remain eligible for competition in her final NCAA season, she needed to take additional credits.
“I need to take them to be eligible to compete,” she clarified.
When asked about her long-term academic plans, Dunne added: “I’m working on my master’s… Hopefully, I get it done ASAP-within a year, that’s the goal.”
Despite her logical reasoning, many social media users were quick to ridicule her response.
Social media reacts to Dunne’s answer
Instead of accepting her explanation, critics took to social media to mock her delivery. One user wrote: “She was SCRAMBLING to find an answer.”
Another commented: “Girl is fried and she ain’t taking any of those classes herself. Omg. String together a sentence challenge failed.”
Some even referenced her recent online debates about gymnastics scoring, with one post reading: “She used all her brain cells to argue about giving perfect 10s for more viewers.”
Despite the online backlash, Dunne remains one of the most successful athletes in the NIL era. She continues to balance her gymnastics career, social media presence, and academic pursuits, regardless of public scrutiny.