US College Gymnast Could Become Millionaire Following ‘Monumental’ Rule Change

Olivia Dunnne, who performs at Louisiana State University, has already competed for the USA national team - she has almost four million followers on TikTok and more than a million on Instagram.

Last week it was announced the 18-year-old had signed with sports agency WME Sports.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) in the US changed its rules last month, which means NCAA athletes can make money.

Although colleges are still not permitted to pay athletes, for the first time they are allowed to make money in other ways - such as endorsement deals - and it is thought Dunne's popularity will make her a high earner.

Talking about Dunne, D-D Breaux, a former LSU coach: "She's an incredible gymnast, a beautiful girl and a wonderful personality that comes across in her social media posts.

"She's just a fabulous young woman. I could see her signing endorsements with a clothing line or a cereal company or anything.

"There are lots of great gymnasts, but it's her personality on social media that sets her apart."

Meanwhile, Dunne herself seems to be happy with the rule change - shortly after it was announced she tweeted: "NIL rules change tomorrow. Let's go to work."

And she's not resting on her laurels, since the announcement she's revealed she's already getting set to 'discuss brands'.

In a statement on the LSU athletics website, Dunne said: "I feel now everyone has an opportunity to make money.

"I feel like this is a little piece of history being made. This is monumental."

Experts reckon the combination of Dunne's incredible sporting talent coupled with her popularity on social media could mean she earns a million dollars or more.

"Her reach as an athlete is what is impressive - five million on social media.

"The fact that she has that following, she can touch a lot of people. She could endorse sports drinks, gymnastics wear, other clothes."