Olivia Dunne follows Taylor Swift's example in dating pro athletes

In a recent interview with Page Six, former LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne discussed her relationship with Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes, emphasizing the unique challenges of dating a professional athlete. Dunne revealed that she looks to Taylor Swift, who is currently dating Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce, as a role model for navigating her own public relationship. Dunne highlighted Swift's success and how she handles criticism from fans, acknowledging that dating someone in the spotlight can be more difficult due to public scrutiny. Dunne also discussed the added complexity of balancing personal careers while maintaining a relationship with a constantly traveling athlete. Additionally, Olivia expressed her admiration for Taylor Swift's work ethic and the effort she puts into her craft, referring to Swift as a trailblazer and savvy businesswoman. Dunne emphasized that while both women have their own successful careers, the challenges they face in the public eye create a unique bond in their experiences as women involved with professional athletes. Olivia previously faced negative comments on social media regarding her relationship with Skenes, illustrating some of the difficulties she encounters. While preparing for a series of ads for Fanatics Sportsbook, which will air shortly, Dunne is also exploring her interests in acting. She shared her excitement about recent acting classes and the opportunity to portray roles beyond her own identity. Overall, Dunne’s reflections revealed a thoughtful perspective on the high stakes athletes and their partners endure, especially under the constant gaze of the public and media. Dunne connected growing up in the athletic sphere with her gymnastics background, stating that she is accustomed to challenges, and emphasizes that dating a professional athlete can resonate deeply with other women in similar situations. She expressed her belief that women’s roles in sports should be embraced rather than shunned, further highlighting the importance of having more visibility for women in all areas of sports and entertainment.