loe was born in 1992 in new zealand. her father is richard loe, a prominent rugby union player with 49 appearances for the all blacks. olivia's elder sister jessica (born 1989) has also represented new zealand internationally in rowing. after jessica took up rowing in 2004, olivia followed her in 2006. the sisters' club rowing has been from the avon rowing club in christchurch. apart from rowing, olivia loe plays rugby union.