Gymnast Olivia Dunne Took Our Breath Away During Her SI Swim Debut in Puerto Rico

The LSU Tiger nailed her first appearance with the magazine, and is set to return to the fold again this May.

Ananya Panchal | Jan 2, 2024

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico.

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne traded her signature sparkly purple leotard for a series of stunning, Wednesday-inspired bikinis and one-pieces during her SI Swimsuit debut last year.

The NCAA star, who is the highest-paid female college athlete in the country, was captured by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico for the 2023 issue. She recently reunited with the photographer in Portugal for her breathtaking photoshoot for May’s forthcoming 60th anniversary issue, where the New Jersey native will return to the fold as a rookie.

“Coming back for Year 2, I mean, last year I said it was a dream come true, and nothing’s changed,” the 21-year-old shared. “It’s still a dream come true. I can’t believe I can call myself a rookie. It feels unreal.”

The Livvy Fund creator added that her confidence has grown over the past year, thanks in part to her work with the brand.

“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,” Dunne added. “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 O.K. to not be perfect and to just be comfortable in your own skin.”

Below are eight marvelous photos from her debut SI Swimsuit photoshoot in Puerto Rico. While Dunne revealed that the funky asymmetrical Gucci suit is her favorite, we simply can’t decide which is ours.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Sommer Swim.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Burberry.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by È TIJEN.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by La Revêche.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Gucci.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by RIELLI.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by ABYSSE.

Olivia Dunne was photographed by Ben Watts in Puerto Rico. Swimsuit by Deep Blue Bikini Co

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Published Jan 2, 2024

ANANYA PANCHAL

Ananya Panchal is a writer on the Lifestyle and Trending News team for SI Swimsuit. Before joining SI Swimsuit in 2022, she worked at Bustle, the San Francisco Chronicle and the TODAY Show. When she is not writing or doom-scrolling on social media, Panchal can be found playing sudoku, rewatching One Tree Hill or trying new restaurants. She's also a coffee and chocolate (separately) enthusiast. Panchal has a bachelor’s in communications and journalism from Boston University.