Olivia Dunne Gets Nostalgic About First Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Shoot

Olivia Dunne is looking back on a moment that helped catapult her into the spotlight!

On Wednesday, the LSU gymnast and social media star shared a heartfelt Instagram story reminiscing about her first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot in 2023. The post, featuring a stunning beachside snapshot of Dunne in a sleek black swimsuit, marked the anniversary of her debut with the iconic magazine.

“2 yrs ago today at my first @si_swimsuit shoot,” she captioned the story, giving fans a glimpse into a milestone moment in her career.

In 2023, Dunne, 22, made her debut with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, wowing fans with her photoshoot in Puerto Rico. The then 20-year-old gymnast called the opportunity a “dream come true,” and her natural charisma and athletic elegance quickly made an impression on fans and editors alike.

MJ Day, editor-in-chief of SI Swimsuit, recognized Dunne’s rising star status immediately. “Last year, we featured Livvy the D1 athlete, highlighting her accolades as an all-academic and an all-star on the rise,” Day shared. “This year, we’re featuring Livvy as a well-established, industrious entrepreneur who continues to break barriers and forge an unforgettable path.”

The success of her rookie photoshoot earned Dunne an invitation back for the magazine’s 60th anniversary issue in 2024, cementing her status as a standout figure in both sports and modeling.

Olivia Dunne’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. With a current NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuation of $4.2 million (per On3), she has become one of the most marketable collegiate athletes in the country. Partnering with major brands like Vuori Clothing, American Eagle, Plant Fuel, and Jake Paul’s men’s care brand W, Dunne has shown that her influence extends far beyond the gym floor.

Dunne attributes much of her recent success to the doors Sports Illustrated Swimsuit opened for her. “Ever since my last SI shoot, I feel like it just opened a bunch of new doors into the modeling world and media world,” she revealed. “I announced at the ESPYs, worked with new magazine brands, and it’s just been really cool.”

Dunne’s rise has been meteoric. Beyond her gymnastics accolades, which include All-Academic honors, she has captivated millions on social media. Her charisma, drive, and relatability have turned her into a household name among fans of collegiate athletics and beyond.

Her popularity, coupled with her ability to balance athleticism and entrepreneurship, has set a new standard for young athletes in the NIL era. As SI Swimsuit editor MJ Day put it, “Livvy stands out in her own unique and critical way,” representing a generation of female athletes redefining what it means to succeed both in and out of competition.

With her brand continually expanding, Dunne shows no signs of slowing down. From partnerships to media appearances, she has made it clear that she’s here to stay. Fans wouldn’t be surprised to see her gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit again in 2025.

“Those opportunities have been so empowering,” Dunne said of her modeling journey. “I feel so grateful to be part of something that celebrates confidence, beauty, and strength in so many forms.”

As Dunne reflects on her early days with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, it’s clear how far she’s come—and how much further she’s determined to go. Whether she’s inspiring future generations of female athletes or breaking new ground in the modeling world, Dunne continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with.