The LSU Gymnastics Star Joins Salma Hayek Pinault, Jordan Chiles, and Lauren Chan as a 2025 Cover Star — Marking a Milestone Moment in Her Post-Gymnastics Journey
Olivia “Livvy” Dunne has officially made it to the big leagues — not on the balance beam this time, but on the glossy cover of Sports Illustrated’s iconic Swimsuit Issue.
The 22-year-old former LSU gymnastics standout is one of four powerhouse women gracing the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, joining the legendary Salma Hayek Pinault, trailblazing model Lauren Chan, and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles. It’s a milestone moment for Dunne, who made her SI Swimsuit debut as a rookie in 2023 and now returns as a full-fledged cover star.
For her feature, Dunne brought fierce athletic flair to the beaches of Bermuda, donning an asymmetrical zebra-print bikini with edgy cutouts and a slim string belt. The look was capped off — quite literally — with a backward baseball cap, possibly a playful nod to her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.
A Dream Come True
Dunne’s excitement about being part of the SI legacy is palpable. Reflecting on her first call from the magazine in 2023, she told PEOPLE, “I was in disbelief. That’s the best word to describe it. I got off the phone, I was screaming and jumping around, and I called my mom immediately — I think I cried.”
Inspired by her gymnastics role model and fellow SI alum Aly Raisman, Dunne has always viewed the platform as more than just a modeling opportunity. “Women’s sports is something that I want to support and leave my legacy on,” she said in her debut year. “I want to show other athletes that you can have it all — especially women.”
From the Mat to the Magazine
Dunne officially retired from competitive gymnastics in April 2025 after an illustrious five-season run with LSU. While her final season ended with a fractured kneecap that kept her from competing, Dunne says her last meet with the team was “really amazing” and expressed gratitude to the fans who supported her emotional video tribute marking her retirement.
“The amount of girls that messaged me or commented on my post meant a lot,” she shared. “I’m not sure if there are a lot of retirement videos like that for gymnastics. There are a lot of well-produced videos like that for men’s sports, so I think it really resonated with a lot of former gymnasts and it was very special for them.”
Though stepping away from the sport was “bittersweet,” Dunne is embracing the freedom that comes with her next chapter. “I’ve been a competitive gymnast since I was three years old,” she said. “Now I’m going to have way more freedom.”
A Role Model Redefined
More than just a celebrated athlete and influencer, Dunne has become a voice for young women navigating sports, media, and identity in the digital age. Whether speaking out about NIL rights, empowering young athletes, or stepping in front of the camera with confidence and grace, she continues to redefine what it means to be a modern sports star.
As Sports Illustrated Swimsuit hits newsstands on May 17, Dunne’s cover marks not just a career milestone, but a cultural one. She is a symbol of what’s possible when talent, tenacity, and authenticity collide — and she’s only getting started.
