Olivia Dunne and three-time gold medalist Aly Raisman had a reunion at the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships, where Dunne’s Lady Tigers were set to compete in the semifinals. Dunne shared a photo on Instagram with Raisman, who was serving as an ESPN commentator at the event. This reunion was nearly 12 years after they had previously met, with Dunne expressing excitement at being able to touch Raisman again.
The original encounter between Dunne and Raisman was shortly after the 2012 Olympics in London, where Raisman won two gold medals for the floor exercise and team competition, as well as a bronze for the balance beam. Throughout her career, Raisman earned a total of six Olympic medals, including three more at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. She added a gold for the team competition, as well as two silver medals for the all-around and floor exercise. Raisman retired from gymnastics in January 2020 and has since moved into broadcasting.
As Dunne finishes her senior year at LSU, she is preparing for life after college. With a large social media following of 13 million followers on Instagram and TikTok, Dunne celebrated LSU’s fifth SEC Championship title last month. The Tigers posted a score of 198.075, matching their highest score at the championships. Ranked No. 2 nationally, LSU is set to compete against California, Stanford, and Arkansas in the first semifinal session of the NCAA Championship.
The top two teams from the first session will advance to the NCAA Championship Final on Sunday, joining the top two squads from the second semifinal session, which includes Alabama, Florida, Utah, and the No. 1 ranked Arkansas team. LSU had finished fourth at the NCAA Championships the previous year. With the Tigers aiming for success in this year’s competition, Dunne is looking ahead to the next phase of her gymnastics career.
Overall, the reunion between Dunne and Raisman at the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships served as a reminder of their past encounters and their shared experiences in the world of gymnastics. While Raisman has transitioned into broadcasting and retirement from competitive gymnastics, Dunne is forging her own path as a talented gymnast with a bright future. As both athletes navigate their respective careers and pursue their passions, their paths crossed once again at the championships, showcasing the enduring bonds and memories formed through the sport.
