In a dazzling season opener, LSU gymnastics star Livvy Dunne stole the spotlight with impressive performances, leading the Tigers to a victory over Iowa State in front of a record-breaking 12,324 fans—while her boyfriend cheered from the stands.

Livvy Dunne’s return for her fifth season is nothing short of spectacular as she contributed to LSU's victory over Iowa State with standout performances on the floor and beam, where she finished third and fourth respectively. As the crowd erupted in excitement, even Dunne's boyfriend, Paul Skenes, fresh off an NL Rookie of the Year season with the Pirates, couldn’t help but feel the pressure—after all, it’s not every day your significant other competes in front of over 12,000 fans and combines athletic prowess with social media flair, posting about their 'tiger dub' just after celebrating on Bourbon Street.

Starting strong, Dunne landed an impressive 9.875 on the floor exercise, securing her third place finish. The roaring crowd certainly did their part to fuel her performance; it’s hard not to feel inspired when you have a small metropolis cheering for you. Meanwhile, her beam routine showcased her composure, as she gracefully navigated through it without a single fall—a feat that, in the world of gymnastics, is akin to walking a tightrope while juggling flaming torches.

On the other side of the competition, Aleah Finnegan shone like a beacon, snagging the all-around title with a score of 39.725. It seems Finnegan decided her superpower for this season was simply doing everything right at once. As they say, when it rains, it pours—for Finnegan, it pours medals. One can only imagine the trophy presentations that must have followed for her while the rest of the team took selfie breaks.

Returning to Dunne, it’s noteworthy that this season marks her fifth with the Tigers. That kind of longevity in college athletics is rare—like finding a unicorn at a public park. Her experience certainly contributed to LSU’s overall score of 197.300, a figure that overshadows Iowa State’s respectable 194.100. It was a solid and convincing win that likely gave the team both confidence and an excuse to indulge in post-meet festivities.

But it wasn’t just about the gymnastics on this memorable day. The atmosphere brimming with competitive spirit and the shared joy of victory also had a social media edge. After the meet, Dunne and Skenes celebrated the victory with a post acknowledging their accomplishment with a cheeky nod to the team slogan 'tiger dub'. We imagine that a shared meal followed, with perhaps a side of personal highlights recounting how the competing romantic athletes kept their nerves in check.

Interestingly, the day almost took a detour into turbulence just a heartbeat away. Earlier, Dunne and Skenes had enjoyed a stroll down Bourbon Street—only to find their celebratory mood dampened when news broke of a terrorist attack shortly thereafter. Although both are fine, the irony of enjoying lively streets prior to chaos was not lost on observers who noted how different the two scenarios were. It’s a reminder that one must savor joyous moments; you never know what shadows might be lurking not far behind.

As the dust settled on this eventful opener, Dunne’s impressively skilled performances illuminated the gymnastics world once again, while the fervent support of Skenes proved that personal relationships can sometimes intersect spectacularly with athletic careers. For fans, seeing them together was yet another delightful treat amidst a day filled with impressive routines and record-breaking attendance. With the season now underway, expectations will be high—after all, keeping up with a dynamic relationship while achieving athletic excellence isn’t common. Let’s hope they keep winning and leave the drama out of the gymnastics arena, where it decidedly belongs elsewhere.