Who knew handstands could pay so well? A college gymnast has summersaulted her way into the millionaire’s club after flaunting her floor skills on TikTok. Olivia Dunne, 19, has racked up more than 5.6 million fans on the social media app, and has companies clamoring to offer her endorsement deals. The backflipping blonde — who tumbles for Louisiana State University — began capitalizing on her social media success last June after the NCAA voted to lift Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) restrictions, which had prohibited college athletes from profiting off themselves. Last August, Dunne signed with WME Sports — the same agency that represents Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic — and has made more than $1 million in the 12 months since.
Of Dunne, he enthused, “She is an outstanding gymnast from an SEC school, but she has an authentic, optimistic persona on social media. And she looks great in a pair of American Eagle jeans. That to me is the magic we’ve been looking for as we explore this brave new world of NIL.”
Dunne is certainly keeping up her end of the deals, frequently showing off clothing by Forever 21, American Eagle and Vuori on TikTok as well as on her Instagram page, where she boasts 1.9 million followers. Given that her audience is only likely to grow online, she’s already primed to snag several more endorsements in the coming months — potentially eclipsing the earnings of other athletes who are already household names.
But Dunne is devoted to remaining at the top of her game as a gymnast, and won’t be distracted by her social media side hustle. The talented teen was a member of the USA gymnastics team in 2017 before competing at the National Championships the following year. She was subsequently offered a full scholarship to Louisiana State University and is set to start her junior year there this fall.
