NEED TO KNOW
- Olivia “Livvy” Dunne explained why her 2025 SI Swimsuit cover shoot “kind of hurt” when posing for the photos in a vlog-styled Instagram video shared on May 19
- The former LSU gymnast revealed she was shooting on a fractured kneecap following her injury sustained on March 6
- Dunne graced the cover of this year’s SI Swimsuit issue alongside actress Salma Hayek Pinault, model Lauren Chan and fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles
Livvy Dunne is a pro!
The former LSU gymnast opened up about her 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue cover shoot in a recent Instagram video, explaining why posing for the photos was not the most comfortable despite the relaxed vibe seen in the final shots.
“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,” Dunne, 22, said in a voiceover that accompanied the vlog-styled clip uploaded on May 19.
During her shoot, Dunne struck several poses in an asymmetrical zebra-print bikini on the beach in Bermuda. For the cover shot, she kneeled down in the sand that was covered by beautifully clear shallow water.
The pain Dunne experienced during her SI Swimsuit shoot came after she sustained an avulsion fracture in her kneecap on March 6, barring her from future gymnastics competition at LSU.
She’s been on the road to recovery ever since.
Dunne’s appearance in the 2025 SI Swimsuit issue marked her third time being featured since she made her debut in 2023. She was one of four cover models selected alongside actress Salma Hayek Pinault, model Lauren Chan and fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles.
The athlete spoke with PEOPLE exclusively at the 2025 SI Swimsuit launch party red carpet at The Hard Rock Hotel in New York City on May 15.
She opened up about her future plans now that she’s officially retired from gymnastics.
“I’ve always said ‘no’ to opportunities way more than I’ve said ‘yes’ — so, I’m excited to do everything and be able to travel and to be able to do things on my time because it’s always been around gymnastics,” Dunne told PEOPLE exclusively at the event.
“My life has revolved around gymnastics,” she continued. “So, honestly, to be able to say yes to more things and potentially maybe do some more performing art stuff on screen — and I’m very excited.”
When asked by PEOPLE if that was a tease for acting, Dunne had a teasing response.
“I don’t know, I don’t know! Stay tuned!” she replied.
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