Olivia Dunne, the former LSU gymnast and social media sensation, stunned the audience at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Fashion Show in Miami Beach, Florida, on May 31, 2025. Dunne walked the runway in a striking black and white polka dot bathing suit, adorned with red bows. As she reached the end of the runway, she executed a perfect split, drawing applause and cheers from the crowd.
During another segment, Dunne sported a bikini and a cropped shirt with the words “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit” emblazoned on it. The 22-year-old, who recently concluded her collegiate gymnastics career, has been making waves not just in sports but also in fashion. Dunne was one of four cover models for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, joining Lauren Chan, Salma Hayek, and Jordan Chiles.
Despite an injury in her final year at LSU, she helped lead the Tigers to a national championship in 2024. With over 8 million followers on TikTok and 5.3 million on Instagram, Dunne has become one of the most-followed athletes on social media. Her influence extends beyond gymnastics as she continues to inspire and entertain fans worldwide.
Dunne dazzles on SI runway
In a behind-the-scenes video shared in May, Dunne revealed she was dealing with a knee injury during the photoshoot. “Fun fact, I was shooting on a fractured kneecap, so poses like this and the cover shot kind of hurt, but it was honestly so worth it,” she shared on Instagram.
Dunne bid an official farewell to gymnastics in April. “Gymnastics, you have filled my heart and will always be a part of me,” she wrote in an Instagram video. “You shaped me into the person I am today.”
As Dunne’s star has risen, fans have paid close attention to her personal life.
She and Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes have been together for more than a year, with Skenes confirming the relationship in the summer of 2023. Dunne’s accomplishments extend beyond athletics and modeling. She was named to the 2024 30 Under 30 list and has collaborated with well-known companies such as Nautica, Bodyarmor, Purina, Grubhub, and American Eagle Outfitters.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Fashion Show wasn’t just about fashion; it was also a celebration of Dunne’s remarkable journey from a collegiate athlete to a respected model and influencer. Her story continues to inspire many, proving that hard work and determination can lead to extraordinary opportunities.
