“I guess it is better that she [Simone Biles] did pull out because you don’t wanna get hurt when you’re at the Olympics. That would be horrible,” Olivia Dunne said last year. Back then, she was in her fifth year with the LSU Tigers gymnastics team — the super senior with the big task of helping defend their national title. But beyond the medals, Livvy couldn’t ignore the conversation around mental health in sports, especially in women’s gymnastics. Simone’s experience at the Tokyo Olympics was still fresh in her mind. And honestly, Olivia knows all too well that any gymnast could end up facing the same struggles Simone did in 2021. So… did she find herself walking that same path too?
Well, Olivia didn’t hold back when she talked about her own experience. After almost two decades in the sport, she’s definitely had her share of tough times. “I mean, most gymnasts go through it at least once in their career. I have,” she admitted. So what helped her through it? Simone Biles had Dr. Marcia Faustin by her side in Tokyo — someone who could step in when things got heavy. But who did Livvy turn to when it mattered most?
Recently, Olivia Dunne sat down with Steph McMahon on her YouTube podcast What’s Your Story? — and once again, the topic of mental health in gymnastics came up. This time, Livvy finally opened up about her own support system, especially when things got rough. Talking about Simone Biles’ struggles, she said, “It [the mental health struggle] can be super scary at times. And I know that’s a subject, you know, Simone [Biles] has talked about because of the 2020 Olympics and the twisties, which I don’t even like to say that word still, because it’s like so scary in gymnastics, but it truly is such a mental game. And I had a mental health coach.” So yeah, that’s who Livvy leaned on — her mental health coach. But who is she?
She didn’t stop there, though. Livvy added on the What’s Your Story? podcast, “My aunt. Her name is Laura St. John.” So yeah, while she had teammates and coaches supporting her along the way, it was really her aunt who made the biggest difference when it came to her mental health. “My aunt, always helping me through it, changed my gymnastics career. And still to this day, I talk to her and she helps me make my dreams come true,” Livvy shared. She’s always said that gymnastics is a mind game — and to win, you’ve gotta be in the right headspace. Luckily for Livvy, her aunt was the one who helped her get there.
Credit: X/LSU Tigers’ Gymnastics
And the gymnastics community saw what Olivia Dunne did, donning the Tigers’ leotard, having her mental health top-notch. In 2024, she helped the LSU Tigers gymnastics team win the national title. However, in 2025, when she announced her retirement from the sport, Livvy did not seem unhappy. She cherished the memory and said goodbye to the beautiful sport. But what about Simone Biles?
Olivia Dunne explains the decision Simone Biles has yet to take
After falling short in the postseason, Olivia Dunne called time on her gymnastics career. But what about Simone Biles? The two shared the mat plenty of times — they even entered Team USA together once. Now at 22, Livvy’s stepped away from the sport. But Simone? She’s still in the game. The question is — will she go for one more shot at the Olympics in LA 2028?
In June, during a Q&A with USA Today, Livvy weighed in. “I’m not sure if it’s in the cards for her [Simone Biles]. I don’t know if she wants to, but she’s the best gymnast of all time, and I have nothing but respect for her as an athlete and as a person.” And Simone?
Final: Artistic gymnastics – Paris 2024 – Floor August 05 2024: Simone Biles United States of America competes during floor final on Day 10 of the Olympic Games, Olympische Spiele, Olympia, OS at Bercy Arena, Paris, France. Ulrik Pedersen/CSM. Credit Image: Â Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Media Paris France EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20240805_zma_c04_162.jpg UlrikxPedersenx csmphotothree277622
When asked about a potential Olympic return during an interview at the Laureus Awards in April, the 11-time Olympic medalist didn’t spill any secrets. With a smile, she said, “Well, I’m definitely relaxing as much as possible. I feel like I have no stressors in my life. I get to be with my husband a lot more than before, so it’s been amazing.” Then she added just enough to keep us all guessing: “It’s in LA it’s back in the States, which is so exciting. But if I’m going to compete again, I’m not so sure….Whether on the apparatus or in the stands, I still don’t know that..” So, will she? That’s the million-dollar question — and it sounds like even Simone hasn’t decided yet.
The post Simone Biles’ Mental Health Journey Pushed Olivia Dunne to Build Her Own Support System appeared first on EssentiallySports.