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A floor exercise in front of thousands of fans may seem daunting to many, but for Livvy Dunne, it pales in comparison to the nerves she feels watching her boyfriend, star Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, on the mound.
In a recent video posted by Bleacher Report, the popular LSU gymnast revealed that she experiences more anxiety when Skenes is pitching than when she is competing herself.
"I get more nervous watching Paul because it's just different when you're not doing it and you're not in control," Dunne said. "But I am confident in his abilities and I kinda channel those nerves into excitement for him."
Dunne added with a laugh that she hoped Skenes would be more nervous for her during her competitions, although she itted uncertainty about his feelings. "I honestly don't know anyone that thinks the way he does. I genuinely don't know what he would say," she remarked.
Dunne travels to watch Skenes play
Dunne has become a familiar face at Skenes' games, most recently attending his start at PNC Park on June 5, when the Pirates faced the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Pirates triumphed 10-6, with Skenes striking out notable players Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.
The 21-year-old gymnastics star has often expressed her iration for Skenes, notably in a TikTok video during a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition event. Reflecting on Skenes' MLB debut in May, Dunne shared, "I cried. I was just so proud of him and I know how hard he worked for that very moment and the work that he puts in every day."
Dunne also mentioned the positive impact Skenes has had on her own athletic career and personal growth. "I think he makes me a better athlete as well and a better person. I'm just so proud."
As of Tuesday, Skenes boasts a 3-0 record in five starts since being called up, with an impressive 3.00 ERA and 38 strikeouts to his name.