Olivia Dunne’s Easter takes a saddening turn — is Paul Skenes to blame?

LSU gymnastics star and social media sensation Olivia Dunne faced an unexpectedly somber Easter weekend, marked by personal and professional setbacks. The 21-year-old athlete, sidelined for the final months of her collegiate career due to a devastating knee injury, watched from the shadows as her team faltered at the NCAA Championships. Compounding her heartache, Dunne spent the holiday separated from her boyfriend Paul Skenes, whose own struggles on the field added to the emotional weight of the weekend.

As fans dissected her melancholic social media posts, one question lingered: Did her partner’s absence—and his team’s loss—deepen her Easter gloom?

Olivia Dunne’s emotional struggle amid separation and defeat

Olivia Dunne’s Easter was far from the celebratory spring affair fans might have envisioned. Forced to sit out LSU’s championship bid due to a knee injury, Dunne traded her leotard for a spectator’s seat, cheering on her teammates in a black-and-purple ensemble that mirrored her subdued mood.

The Lady Tigers’ collapse at the NCAA Championships stripped her of a storybook ending to her collegiate journey, leaving her to grapple with unfulfilled dreams.

But the emotional blows didn’t stop there. Dunne’s boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, was also absent during the holiday. While Skenes battled on the mound during a high-stakes MLB game, his team suffered a crushing loss—his second of the season—amplifying the weekend’s disappointments.

Dunne, tuning in from afar, shared a rare vulnerable moment on social media: a subdued smile that betrayed her inner turmoil. Followers quickly noted the stark contrast to her usual vibrant posts, sparking speculation that Skenes’ struggles and absence compounded her loneliness.

Injury, isolation, and a fragile smile

Olivia Dunne’s knee injury not only robbed her of a final collegiate showcase but also isolated her during a pivotal life chapter. Once the face of LSU’s gymnastics success, she became a spectator as her team fell short of defending their national title. Her Instagram tribute to the season—a blend of pride and quiet heartbreak—hinted at the emotional toll of watching from the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Paul Skenes’ rocky start with the Pittsburgh Pirates added another layer of stress. The couple, who frequently share glimpses of their bond online, faced the challenge of maintaining their connection amid hectic schedules and mounting pressures. Dunne’s Easter post, captioned with a bittersweet “happy,” seemed to echo the strain of their physical distance and shared setbacks.

A furry lifeline

Amid the gloom, one bright spot emerged: Dunne’s golden retriever, Roux. The influencer’s four-legged companion became her emotional anchor, featured in a lighter-hearted post that showcased their playful bond. “Dogs don’t care about losses or injuries,” one fan commented. “They just love you.” For Dunne, Roux’s unwavering loyalty offered a respite from the weekend’s heaviness.

Is Paul Skenes really to blame?

While it’s easy to pin Olivia Dunne’s sadness on her boyfriend’s absence or his team’s loss, the reality is more nuanced. Her injury alone—a career-disrupting blow—would cast a shadow over anyone’s spirit. Add the pressure of public scrutiny and the end of her LSU journey, and the emotional cocktail becomes potent. Paul Skenes’ struggles may have amplified her stress, but they’re unlikely the sole cause.

As Dunne herself has shown time and again, resilience is part of her brand. With rehab underway and Roux by her side, this Easter slump may soon give way to a comeback—both in gymnastics and in spirit.