Olivia Dunne Raves About Sisterhood, Unforgettable Moments at 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue Launch

We caught up with the LSU gymnast at several events throughout launch weekend.

Cara O’Bleness | May 20, 2023

Olivia Dunne.

Alberto Tamargo/Getty Images

Olivia Dunne has been celebrating her 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue spread all weekend long, from New York to Florida. The 20-year-old LSU gymnast rocked the red carpet at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City on Thursday in a gorgeous black lacy gown. Two days later, Dunne was at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, Fla., ready for the rest of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue launch weekend.

When we caught up with Dunne during Saturday’s festivities to talk about her photo shoot in Puerto Rico with photographer Ben Watts, she couldn’t help but gush about the sisterhood she’s formed with her fellow SI Swimsuit models.

“This weekend has been incredible so far. I’ve met a lot of the models and honestly, we’ve become like sisters,” Dunne tells SI Swimsuit. “They’re so sweet, and we’ve become so close. It feels surreal, it really does.”

View Olivia Dunne’s full 2023 SI Swimsuit gallery here.

In fact, Dunne and two-time franchise model Olivia Ponton walked the red carpet together at Thursday’s premiere event in New York City.

Olivia Dunne and Olivia Ponton.
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

That morning, Dunne and fellow models Yumi Nu and Brooks Nader rang the New York Stock Exchange bell on Wall Street with several members of the SI Swimsuit team. Check it out here.

Launch weekend isn’t quite over yet, as the final day of festivities wraps up with a workout held by wellness leader and 2023 rookie Melissa Wood-Tepperberg on Sunday morning. After the 25-minute sweat session, the second day of Swimsuit Island fun will continue through 3 p.m.

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Published May 20, 2023

CARA O’BLENESS

Cara is a trending news writer/editor for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. A passionate writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience in print and online media, she loves storytelling and believes that words have the power to change the world. Prior to joining the team, Cara worked as a writer and editor across a number of content verticals, including food, lifestyle, health and wellness, and small business and entrepreneurship. In her free time, Cara loves reading, spending time with her family and making her way through Michigan’s many microbreweries. She is a graduate of Michigan State University's School of Journalism.