College hires bodyguard for gymnast after 'scary and disturbing' scenes at event
Gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne’s school has had a bodyguard hired for her after disturbing scenes during an event held in Utah.
She became a millionaire at the age of 18 after signing for talent agency WME Sports and landing a sponsorship deal with an activewear brand.
Now 20 years old with millions of followers, the LSU Tigers gymnast previously addressed an incident at the Jon M. Huntsman Center last week where a group of teenage boys were 'saying rude things and swearing', as they waited for her. You can watch the footage below.
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The video was shared by 2008 Olympic silver medalist Samantha Peszek, who described the incident as ‘scary and disturbing’.
ESPN commentator Kathy Johnson Clarke said: “I was walking out just behind you, Sam, and they were screaming to me 'are you Livvy's mom? Are you Livvy's mom?'. Very disturbing. Creepy, actually.”
Earlier this week, it was announced that a security officer will travel with the team for the remainder of the season.
Dunne’s coach, Jay Clark said: “That person will be in our hotel and outside our locker room and getting us to and from the bus at the venue.
“(The officer) will be there to create a perimeter that keeps everybody safe.
“Things have to change. We just can't expose them.
“We're looking at some policy changes that will give parents access at a different location to their daughters.”
Dunne also commented on the incident and she pleaded with her fans to be respectful, she said: “I will always appreciate and love the support from you guys, but if you come to a meet, I want to ask you to please be respectful of the other gymnasts and the gymnastics community as we are just doing our job.”
The 20-year-old’s mother, Katherine tweeted: “It is not OK to blame any athlete/celebrity when fan behavior crosses the line.
“In a sport where all the girls wear nothing but leotards stop suggesting that how Livvy dresses means she deserves this in any way.
“Stop shaming girls for the behavior of boys.”
SPORTbible has contacted LSU Tigers for comment.
Topics: Gymnastics, USA
Marcus Chan