BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA: Following her remarkable feature in this year's 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit issue, LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne is set to make a return in 2024, this time as a rookie. The 21-year-old athlete, entrepreneur, and social media sensation, known as "Livvy" to her online followers, posed for the 60th anniversary edition of the magazine in Porto and the North of Portugal.
Olivia Dunne shines as standout rookie
Expressing her excitement, Dunne stated, "Coming back for Year 2, I mean, last year I said it was a dream come true, and nothing’s changed. It’s still a dream come true. I can’t believe I can call myself a rookie. It feels unreal."
For the shoot, Dunne collaborated once again with photographer Ben Watts, who previously captured her images in Puerto Rico for the current year's issue. While on location in Portugal, she candidly admits that she is still navigating how to be comfortable in her own skin. She aims to leverage her platform to convey a powerful message to young girls, emphasizing that even someone like the highest-paid female college athlete in the country struggles with self-confidence.
"'SI Swim' means to me being comfortable in your own skin and being undeniably you, which is something I still work on to this day. Body image is something that a lot of girls struggle with, especially young girls. In the sport of gymnastics, [body image is] a huge thing, and it’s something that I’m still working on to this day, being confident. But SI’s really helped me to see that it’s OK to not be perfect and to just be comfortable in your own skin."
Olivia Dunne has not only made significant strides in the gymnastics arena with standout performances for LSU, but has also become one of the most prominent TikTok influencers. With millions of followers across her social media platforms, Dunne's posts routinely go viral. Now, with her inclusion as a rookie in the 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit Edition, she is set to ascend to new heights of popularity and recognition.
Olivia Dunne: A rising star
Fan-favorite LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne, who made a captivating debut in the 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit issue in 2023, is poised for a return in the upcoming 60th anniversary edition of the iconic magazine in May 2024.
Dunne's initial appearance took place during a stunning photo shoot in Puerto Rico. The decision to feature the 21-year-old gymnast in the 2024 issue was described by 'SI' Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day as "an easy one".
In the 2023 issue, Dunne was showcased as a standout D1 athlete, highlighting her academic achievements and her rising stardom. This year, the focus will shift to Dunne as an accomplished entrepreneur, breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark for herself and future generations of female athletes.
Day expressed pride in Dunne's continued achievements, stating, "We are so incredibly proud of what she continues to achieve and are so excited to welcome her back not as Livvy Dunne the LSU D1 gymnast, but Livvy Dunne, the 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit rookie."
Dunne's multifaceted identity as an athlete, entrepreneur, and influential figure on social media has made her a standout presence, and her return to the 'SI' Swimsuit Edition is eagerly anticipated by fans and admirers alike.
