Louisiana State University’s stunning gymnast Olivia Dunne is amassing a considerable amount of wealth by uploading provocative photographs and videos of her sculpted physique online. While thousands of men are shelling out money to get glimpses at the 20-year-old athlete, her coaches and other prominent figures in sports view this as taking “a step back” from reducing gender inequality since she is making tremendous amounts of money off images depicting herself.
The remarkable success of Olivia Dunne has earned her the title of self-made millionaire through her subscription platform and a variety of name, image, and likeness deals. Unfortunately, some are displeased with her accomplishments as she cements gender inequality in sports within the United States. Yet even still, it is difficult to deny that this sultry gymnast has made quite a fortune for herself!
This year, other college athletes were permitted to set up NIL deals. Unfortunately, female athletes often need to expose their bodies in order to obtain these lucrative offers as they post provocative pictures of themselves on various platforms and are rewarded with tens of thousands – and even millions – of dollars for such displays.
Thanks to her flourishing sponsorships and online fan base, Dunne is now a millionaire. Nevertheless, she has incurred the ire of renowned women’s sports leader Tara VanDerveer from Stanford University.
“I guess sometimes we have this swinging pendulum, where we maybe take two steps forward, and then we take a step back,” VanDerveer stated. “We’re fighting for all the opportunities to compete, to play, to have resources, to have facilities, to have coaches, and all the things that go with Olympic-caliber athletics. This is a step back.”
Not only has Dunne’s sultry appearance provided her with plenty of attention, but it has also caused disdain from critics like VanDerveer. Despite this, she is content with the monetary benefits that posting alluring pictures and receiving sponsorship deals have done for her income; allowing her to officially become a millionaire.
“Seven figures,” she told the Times. “That is something I’m proud of. Especially since I’m a woman in college sports. There are no professional leagues for most women’s sports after college.”
All-American guard Haley Jones from Stanford believes that college athletes need to seize the moment and use social media if they want a chance at some of the most rewarding endorsement opportunities in their sports journey.
“You can go outside wearing sweatpants and a puffer jacket, and you’ll be sexualized,” Jones continued. “I could be on a podcast, and it could just be my voice, and I’ll face the same thing. So, I think it will be there, no matter what you do or how you present yourself.”
Should highly-talented female college athletes be monetizing their images on social media with risque content?
