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Olivia Dunne's debut as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model wasn't quite the glamorous moment she had envisioned. After two previous appearances in SI's annual issue, an unexpected setback made this shoot her most difficult yet.
After posing for Sports Illustrated in Puerto Rico in 2023 and Portugal in 2024, Dunne finally graced the cover of the 2025 issue. This time, the former LSU Tigers star wore a zebra-print bikini top with green bottoms.
The 22-year-old gymnast shared the spotlight with fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles, Mexican actress Salma Hayek, and model Lauren Chen, among other celebrities from sports and entertainment. While appearing on the cover was a dream come true for Dunne, one painful reality nearly overshadowed the milestone.
The injury that almost ruined Livvy's cover
As many Dunne fans , the gymnast suffered an avulsion fracture in her patella, an injury that abruptly ended her final LSU season this March. That same injury followed her to Bermuda, where Sports Illustrated shot this year's swimsuit edition.
"Fun fact," Dunne revealed in a behind-the-scenes video, "I was shooting on a fractured kneecap, so poses like this-and the cover shot-kinda hurt."
Both on the cover and a photo on the inside pages, Dunne is seen kneeling on Bermuda's breathtaking beaches-a pose that could easily worsen an already damaged knee.
Despite the pain, Dunne didn't regret a second of the experience.
"But it was honestly so worth it," she assured. "I can't believe it. Oh my God. That photo is so good. That is crazy-I am a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model."
Livvy didn't even have time to enjoy the trip
It wasn't just the pain that made Dunne's Sports Illustrated experience challenging. The rushed schedule also worked against her.
"I know it was quick, but every single time we go to these places and I shoot for 24 hours-it's the quickest trip-but you guys feel like family, truly," Dunne reflected.
The day after her photoshoot, she was already back in classes at LSU. But a few days later, she made an appearance at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit party in New York, alongside Jordan Chiles, rapper 50 Cent, and former NFL star Rob Gronkowski.
Not a bad consolation prize, right, Livvy?