The Gorgeous Photos That Landed Olivia Dunne on the Cover of SI Swimsuit

The three-time SI Swimsuit model graced the cover of the 2025 issue—and these pics explain why.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Juliet Johnstone. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

As a three-time SI Swimsuit model, Olivia Dunne is a total regular around here. The 22-year-old New Jersey native, who recently retired from NCAA gymnastics after finishing up her fifth and final year on the LSU Tigers team, made her debut on the sunny shores of Puerto Rico with Ben Watts, a truly special moment for both Dunne and the magazine. She returned the following year, teaming up with Watts again, for a scenic Portugal shoot. And her third consecutive year with the brand, she posed for Watts again, this time in Bermuda—having no idea she was actually on set for her cover shoot.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Reina Olga. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

With truly stunning photos like the one above, plus the amazing, pivotal year Dunne has had, it was a no-brainer for her to earn the coveted cover spot. She shares the honor with actor Salma Hayek-Pinault, fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles and model Lauren Chan. An inspiration to her global following, this talented content creator is onto her next chapter of life after saying goodbye to gymnastics.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Juliet Johnstone. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

During her undergrad at LSU, she became the most-followed college athlete and the highest-paid female athlete, cementing a legacy for NCAA students to come. Plus, in 2023, she launched The Livvy Fund, which helps connect female athletes at LSU with brands for potential NIL deals. Alongside the Tigers, she helped the team win two consecutive SEC Championships in 2024 and 2025.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Andi Bagus. Hat by ’47. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

With her impressive following of 13.3 million across TikTok and Instagram, Dunne has captivated a huge audience with her everyday updates and hilarious sense of humor. Over the years, she’s worked with big-name companies such as Crocs, Bodyarmor, Purina, Nautica and more. She also launched her own flavor of Accelerator Active Energy drinks and signed onto Jake Paul’s personal care brand, W.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Tropic of C. Shirt by MONSE. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

“Olivia Dunne’s why goes far beyond the floor and bars—it’s about changing the game for athletes everywhere,” SI Swimsuit editor in chief MJ Day shared of the cover star. “She was one of the first to leverage the power of name, image and likeness deals, building a brand that’s both financially successful and rooted in showing the real Livvy. She’s not just a social media sensation; she’s a pioneering force who has created opportunities for herself and, by extension, countless other athletes by demonstrating how to navigate the intersection of sports, business and digital influence.”

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Bermuda. Swimsuit by Tropic of C. / Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Really, it’s more than just these photos that landed Dunne on the cover. It’s also her fierce personality, determination, advocacy for women and business savvy that earns her the honor.

“I feel like I’m just stepping into a new version of myself,” she told the team when finding out she landed the cover. “This is the most special thing that’s ever happened to me. I want this [cover image] to capture the audience and then they flip the page open and it’s just a badass story inside. “I am proud to be an SI [Swimsuit] model. Thank you so much for making my dreams come true. I just hope that other athletes feel inspired and hear my story, and fight for what’s right.”

Next. Olivia Dunne’s Tribute for Paul Skenes. Olivia Dunne’s Tribute for Paul Skenes. dark