Olivia Dunne Lands Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover, Celebrates Career Milestones
Olivia Dunne, the former LSU gymnastics star, is making waves once again, this time gracing the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The 22-year-old athlete and social media personality expressed her excitement and gratitude on social media, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
"Woke up a 2025 Sports Illustrated cover model!" Dunne exclaimed on X, capturing the exhilaration of achieving such a prestigious honor. This marks her first time appearing on the cover, having been featured in the previous two editions of the magazine.
Dunne’s cover features her in a stunning animal-print bikini designed by Reina Olga, with the breathtaking backdrop of Bermuda adding to the allure. She shares the spotlight with other accomplished women, including Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles, celebrated actress Salma Hayek, and successful entrepreneur Lauren Chan, highlighting the diverse representation that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue aims to embody.
Taking to her Instagram story, Dunne further amplified her excitement, declaring, "I’m a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover girl!" Her enthusiasm is palpable, reflecting the culmination of hard work and dedication both in athletics and in the world of modeling.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch has been a whirlwind of appearances for Dunne, as she joined fellow models in New York City to promote the new edition. The promotional tour included a visit to Citi Field for a New York Mets-Pittsburgh Pirates game, where Dunne’s boyfriend, Pirates star pitcher Paul Skenes, was on the mound.
Skenes delivered a solid performance, pitching six innings and allowing only one earned run on six hits, while striking out six batters. Despite his efforts, the Mets ultimately prevailed with a score of 4-3. Prior to the game, swimsuit models Camille Kostek, Ellie Thumann, and Xandra Pohl participated in the traditional ceremonial first pitch, while Dunne opted to sit this one out.
Beyond her modeling achievements, Dunne recently concluded her gymnastics career at LSU, bringing an end to an era defined by remarkable athleticism and unwavering dedication. While the Tigers fell short of repeating as national champions, Dunne’s impact on the program and the sport as a whole remains undeniable.
In a heartfelt tribute to her gymnastics journey, Dunne shared a montage of images on social media, showcasing her evolution from a toddler in leotards to a national champion. The video encapsulates the highs and lows, the triumphs and challenges that have shaped her into the person she is today.
"Time flies when you’re having fun," Dunne reflected in the video, capturing the essence of her passion for gymnastics. "Something said that when you’re enjoying yourself to the point time seems to slip away from you. That’s exactly how the past 20 years in this sport have felt."
She continued, "The highs, the lows, making the USA national team and competing for our country. Every risk was worth the reward. Finishing my career over the past five years at the best university in the world has been an incredible journey, and I’m forever grateful."
Dunne’s message resonates with authenticity and gratitude, highlighting the profound impact that gymnastics has had on her life. "Gymnastics, you have filled my heart and will always be a part of me," she expressed. "You shaped me into the person I am today, creating memories and sisterhoods that will last a lifetime beyond the sport. You were my first love."
Her words speak to the transformative power of sports, the lessons learned, and the bonds forged that extend far beyond the arena. Dunne’s gymnastics career has not only honed her physical abilities but has also instilled in her values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, qualities that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavors.
As she embarks on this new chapter, Dunne’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover marks a significant transition into the world of modeling and entertainment. Her undeniable charisma, coupled with her athletic background, positions her as a captivating and influential figure.
Dunne’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and embracing new opportunities. From the gymnastics mat to the cover of Sports Illustrated, she continues to inspire young women around the world to pursue their dreams and break barriers. Her success serves as a reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a positive attitude, anything is possible. As she navigates this exciting phase of her life, Olivia Dunne’s star is undoubtedly on the rise, and her future holds limitless potential. Her continued success will be watched with great interest by her fans and admirers alike, all eager to see what she accomplishes next.
