MLB top prospect Paul Skenes confirms relationship with LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne

822     0
LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne is a social media sensation and has had fans swarming gymnastic meets (Image: Getty Images)
LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne is a social media sensation and has had fans swarming gymnastic meets (Image: Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has publicly confirmed he and Louisiana State University gymnast Olivia Dunne are in a relationship.

Skenes, 21, was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 MLB draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates after leading LSU to the College World Series championship. Dunne, 20, was in attendance throughout the tournament, fuelling speculation about them being an item.

Since then, she was also at his Minor League Baseball debut for the Bradenton Marauders. Dunne shared her presence at the ballpark on social media, showing off that she was wearing a Pirates hat, which only helped further fuel the rumours.

Despite their relationship being one of the worst-kept secrets this summer, neither had publicly confirmed they were together. However, Skenes has now broken rank.

As the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, they began dating through mutual friends. Skenes describes it as “just a small-world type of thing.”

Inside life of Super Bowl LVII star Mahomes with glamorous wife and net worth eiqetiqhxideeinvInside life of Super Bowl LVII star Mahomes with glamorous wife and net worth

The publication details that the baseball player's best friend was dating Dunne's college roommate, Elena Marenas. That is how the two LSU Tigers athletes met.

Skenes tells the Post-Gazette, their shared fame has played a part in them becoming closer and understanding each other. "It’s nice, for sure," he admits. "It's nice to be able to have that conversation. She does get it."

MLB top prospect Paul Skenes confirms relationship with LSU gymnast Olivia DunneDunne is a rising gymnast and social media sensation (AP)

However, their stature does still present the couple with daily challenges. "It can be a pain in the butt sometimes, to be honest, in terms of actually going somewhere," Skenes says.

"If one of us went out in Baton Rouge (in Louisiana) by ourselves, there’s probably gonna be someone there asking for something — picture, autograph, whatever. I do wish she could come to a baseball game and just enjoy it. It does irk me.

He continues: "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."

The athlete does not avoid attention anywhere she goes. Dunne has had to hire a bodyguard due to her social media stardom translating into real-life fame.

She cannot attend college classes due to the size of crowds turning up to catch a glimpse of her. Dunne has over 10 million followers across her social media platforms and can earn around £400,000 per sponsored post promoting particular companies.

Contrastingly, Skenes does not engage with social media. “I wasn’t on it during the season because it’s toxic,” he said.

MLB top prospect Paul Skenes confirms relationship with LSU gymnast Olivia DunneDunne has yet to publicly confirm she and Skenes are in a relationship (Getty Images)

“When you see something positive about you or something negative, it doesn’t matter. There’s no substance to it. It can’t help.”

Their differing stances are something that they have discussed. “She doesn’t like seeing some of it, too,” Skenes said. “It’s worse for her.

Inside Shohei Ohtani's MLB contract stand-off as Mike Trout sends him pleaInside Shohei Ohtani's MLB contract stand-off as Mike Trout sends him plea

"I’ve told her, ‘People are gonna write about you. People are gonna write about me. If it rattles you, if it makes you upset, you gotta find a way to either not see it or not get upset over it.’"

Matthew Abbott

Major League Baseball, Louisiana State University, Baseball

Read more similar news:

17.02.2023, 12:24 • Sport
Shohei Ohtani gives contract update after private talks with LA Angels owner
20.02.2023, 23:07 • Sport
MLB prospect comes out as gay with inspirational "fight for your dream" message
25.02.2023, 07:26 • Sport
MLS commissioner hints league could introduce relegation in major revamp
07.01.2023, 15:01 • Sport
LA Dodgers release Trevor Bauer following sexual assault allegations
10.01.2023, 17:34 • Sport
MLB star Carlos Correa forced into dramatic contract U-turn after deals collapse
18.01.2023, 16:42 • Sport
MLB megastar Shohei Ohtani could sign biggest contract in history of sports
24.01.2023, 13:47 • Sport
Aaron Judge given hero's welcome as New York Yankees star attends Rangers game
24.01.2023, 16:30 • Sport
Aaron Judge credits Anthony Rizzo when opening up about NY Yankees decision
01.03.2023, 13:21 • Sport
F1 and Atlanta Braves owners among Liverpool contenders for FSG minority stake
03.03.2023, 08:45 • Sport
Brook swaps Bazball for baseball as England star joins MLB training before Ashes