Olivia Dunne Steps Out of Her Leotard and Into a Bikini for Her 2023 SI Swimsuit Debut

The LSU gymnast and social media superstar wore an array of unique swimsuits while on location in Puerto Rico.

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

Olivia Dunne traded her signature sparkly purple-and-gold LSU leotard for some cool swimsuits while on location in Puerto Rico with photographer Ben Watts.

The NCAA gymnast said that being a part of the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue was a dream come true and shared that she was especially proud to work with a brand with which she shares the same values.

“The way that the [SI Swimsuit] brand has evolved and has become such a positive spotlight for women to tell their stories and to spread awesome messages of being strong, sexy and beautiful, I knew that was something I wanted to be part of,” she said. “The magazine is all about celebrating women and making them feel strong and confident, which I love.”

The styling for Dunne’s shoot was inspired by the popularity of Netflix’s Wednesday series starring Jenna Ortega. Suits were handpicked by the SI Swimsuit fashion team with an edgy, grunge and powerful aesthetic in mind. 

View Olivia Dunne’s entire 2023 gallery here.

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

Ben Watts/Sports Illustrated

Dunne, 20, began gymnastics when she was just 3 years old and is the highest-paid female college athlete in the country with a host of NIL sponsorships.  Dunne, who goes by “Livvy” on her social media platforms, has amassed more than 11 million followers across TikTok and Instagram through her consistent posting of not just gymnastics videos but also recreations of popular trends and casual college student content.

She’s quickly learned that a large internet fan base can have its hardships, but she’s learning to navigate them by not taking anything too seriously and by following the advice of another athlete-turned-influencer, Paige Spiranac.

“Girls aren’t responsible for the bad behavior of boys,” she said. “A lot of gymnasts are taught to keep quiet, and that led to a lot of abuse in the sport. I want to be part of the new generation that tells girls to use their voice. You can be comfortable in your own skin and be strong, sexy and smart.”

Dunne hopes that her SI Swimsuit feature serves as proof and inspiration that you can do it all—women can chase their dreams despite how large or unorthodox they may seem.

“I want to show young girls that you can have it all, and you don’t need to choose between whatever it is you’re passionate about,” she said. “You can be passionate about music, art. You don’t need to pick and choose. You can do it all and be successful. I think you need to set your own expectations for success and dream big.”

View Olivia Dunne’s entire 2023 gallery here.

Learn more about all of the women featured in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue.

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