Context:

Livvy Dunne, a popular college athlete, model, and influencer, went viral due to her speech at the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, a Kentucky Derby event, where she made the traditional 'Riders Up' call. Her delivery was criticized for being awkward, which she later addressed in a TikTok video, explaining that she could not hear herself because of the microphone's echo. The viral moment sparked numerous comments on social media, with some expressing support and others criticizing her performance. Dunne's explanation aimed to clarify the situation and address the negative feedback she received. Despite the criticism, Dunne remains a fan favorite and continues to engage with her audience through social media platforms.

Dive Deeper:

• Livvy Dunne, a 22-year-old alum of LSU's women's gymnastics team, gained widespread attention after her 'Riders Up' call at the Kentucky Oaks went viral due to its perceived awkwardness.

• In response to the viral clip, Dunne explained in a TikTok video that the awkwardness was a result of her inability to hear herself because of the microphone's echo, which affected her delivery.

• The viral moment led to a flurry of comments on social media, with some users expressing sympathy and others criticizing her performance at the event.

• Dunne's clarification on social media sought to address the criticism and provide context for those who found the speech difficult to watch.

• Despite the mixed reactions, Dunne remains a popular figure among fans, continuing to engage and connect with her audience through platforms like TikTok.

• Fan favorite college athlete Livvy Dunne, who is also a model and influencer, went viral at the Kentucky Derby over the weekend.

• The 22-year-old LSU women’s gymnastics team alum gave an intro speech at a derby event – the 2025 Kentucky Oaks – where she made a “Riders Up” call that has gone viral.

• “Kentucky Oaks fans. Now for the annual tradition we’ve all been looking forward to, Rider’s Up!” she started.

• Some called her out for the awkwardness seen in the clip. Now, she’s explaining.

• Keep reading to find out more…

• In a Getting Ready with Me video on TikTok, so many comments were addressing her speech.

• “Why are people so mean to you?” one commenter wrote, to which Livvy responded, “Yes.”

• Another commenter wrote that it “was a tough watch,” to which Livvy then explained, “I couldn’t hear myself because of the echo of the microphone 😭.”

• Watch the speech below. Find out who Livvy is romantically linked to.

• 🗣️ RIDERS UP!

• Livvy Dunne sets us up for the 2025 Kentucky Oaks. 🌸 pic.twitter.com/YPfsnNJWg7

• — NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 2, 2025