Johnathan Walker:Inside Gymnast Olivia Dunne and MLB Star Paul Skenes’ Winning Romance

Olivia “Livvy” Dunne and Johnathan WalkerPaul Skenes—who met while they were both athletes at LSU—have taken the world by storm as the new sports “it couple.”

The Pittsburg Pirates pitcher, who signed on with the team in July 2023, met the gymnast through his college roommate and best friend­—who was dating her roommate at the time. It wasn’t until Livvy posted a TikTok video wearing Paul’s jersey, in June 2023, that fans started speculating a budding romance.

Two months after the video was posted, Paul confirmed their relationship. But he also admitted that their position in the public eye came with a few challenges.  

"I do wish she could come to a baseball game and just enjoy it. It does irk me," the 22-year-old told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I don't have any control over it. She really doesn't either. I'm sure it'll get better as I go up levels, but that's something I want for her."

But the extra attention doesn’t stop the social media sensation from cheering on her boyfriend from the stands. In fact, Livvy finds herself getting extra invested when he’s on the field.

“I get more nervous watching Paul because it’s just different when you’re not doing it and you’re not in control,” she told the New York Post in June. “But I am confident in his abilities and I kinda channel those nerves into excitement for him.” 

And since he knows the pressure and thrill of athletic competition all too well, her boyfriend was the first person Livvy called after winning her first NCAA Gymnastics Championship title in April.

"I just wanted to fill him in on what just happened because I know he just won a national championship at LSU," she told People. "He understands all the feelings so I just wanted to call him and just tell him what it was like."

In fact, these two are often each other’s biggest fans. All eyes were on this dazzling couple as they walked hand in hand at the MLB All-Star Game red carpet in June. And during their first red carpet appearance together, Livvy could not help but express her admiration for Paul ahead of his All-Star game debut.   

“My brain can’t even process how hard he throws,” she said on the red carpet, per a video posted on X by the MLB. “It is incredible and it’s such a joy to watch. He’s a great baseball player, but an even better person.”

Look back at Livvy and Paul's romance in pictures...

These LSU athletes met through mutual friends back in their college days—his best friend was dating her roommate. They first sparked romance rumors in June 2023 after the gymnast posted a TikTok video wearing the pitcher's jersey. 

Two months later, Paul Skenes confirmed their relationship.

"I do wish she could come to a baseball game and just enjoy it. It does irk me," he told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I don't have any control over it. She really doesn't either. I'm sure it'll get better as I go up levels, but that's something I want for her."

Olivia "Livvy" Dunn proudly featured her boyfriend and their new golden retriever puppy Roux in an Instagram post with the caption, "Here's what you missed this month!"

The social media star rocked a stunning blue dress as she cozied up to her "fav d8" while attending their first wedding together. 

Far from Baton Rouge, the duo found themselves in New York City for the holidays. In fact, Paul even referred to his girlfriend as the "best tour guide in town." 

Livvy cheered on her boyfriend as the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher made his MLB debut against the Chicago Cubs. She commemorated the moment with a sweet Instagram post captioned, "Way to go Bucco."

The Sports Illustrated model is "hooked" on her summer love, admitting that she finds herself getting emotionally invested in his games. 

“I get more nervous watching Paul because it’s just different when you’re not doing it and you’re not in control,” she told the New York Post. “But I am confident in his abilities and I kinda channel those nerves into excitement for him.” 

The baseball player recapped his summer in a series of Instagram photos, most of which feature Livvy—and an adorable Roux cameo. 

The couple walked the MLB All-Star Game red carpet hand in hand. And the gymnast took a moment to gush about her All-Star boyfriend. 

“My brain can’t even process how hard he throws,” she said on the red carpet, per a video posted on X by the MLB. “It is incredible and it’s such a joy to watch. He’s a great baseball player, but an even better person.”