SPORTING SISTERS: Olivia Dunne thanks Paige Spiranac for support during New York Times controversy
WESTWOOD, NEW JERSEY: Olivia Dunne, 20, gives a shoutout to golf star Paige Spiranac, 30, for her support during a controversial New York Times article detailing her rapid ascent to fame. In an interview with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit where the LSU gymnast will be making her debut in the 2023 issue, she expressed her gratitude to Spiranac.
“Paige is just so great at showing that you can be beautiful and athletic and successful at the same time,” Dunne said. "So it just really is awesome to have someone like her stand up for me and be on my side,” the 20-year-old told Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
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Paige Spiranac backs Olivia Dunne
In November 2022, The New York Times featured an article on Dunne about her growing social media presence and financial success, sparking controversy. The piece, entitled “New Endorsements for College Athletes Resurface an Old Concern: Sex Sells,” wasn’t well-received by Dunne, who clapped back at the publication on Instagram for crossing the line. “Is this too much?” Dunne wrote at the time, tagging The Times’ Instagram handle alongside a snap from the photoshoot.
As someone who has constantly faced criticism over the years, Spiranac took to Twitter to support Dunne. “I’m so sick of women belittling accomplishments of other women because it’s done differently than they would,” Spiranac tweeted. “@livvydunne is getting hate for making 2 million a year. She’s built a successful business (at 20) all while being a student-athlete. That’s badass.”
'Olivia Dunne chooses only to focus on the positive aspects'
The NCAA's highest-earning female athlete and regarded as one of the most influential collegiate stars, Dunne boasts over 11 million followers on Instagram and TikTok. Despite frequently posting playful videos and selfies on her pages, Dunne chooses to keep certain aspects of her life private, much like Spiranac, who is also known for being a female star golf player and her social media presence. “That’s something that [she] kind of helped me with … just keeping certain parts of your life private,” Dunne said.
“Making sure not to post certain things that maybe you don’t want people’s feedback on.”
Further, Dunne opened up about constant online criticism and trolls, claiming that she makes a conscious effort to concentrate on the positive aspects of being an influencer. “I really appreciate all the positive comments and feedback, especially from girls and people who reach out and tell me how much respect they have for gymnastics and the hard work I’ve put in so far,” she asserted.