Livvy Dunne knows how to leave a lasting impression, and this weekend she did just that—literally—with a split at the end of the runway. The 22-year-old former LSU gymnast lit up the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show at the W South Beach in Miami, showing off her gymnastic roots in the most memorable way possible.
Walking for the iconic brand, Dunne turned heads with two different looks. For one strut down the catwalk, she rocked a sleek one-piece with stylish cutouts. Then, she switched things up with a playful combo of a white crop top and animal-print bottoms. But it wasn’t just the fashion that caught attention—it was her flawless, mid-runway split that had the crowd cheering.
Her Cover Girl Moment and Dream Come True
Earlier this spring, Dunne achieved another major milestone: her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover debut. She was one of four cover stars for the 2025 issue, sharing the honor with Salma Hayek, Lauren Chan, and Jordan Chiles. Upon finding out, Dunne couldn’t contain her excitement. “I am a Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover model… Are you kidding me?” she exclaimed.
Her cover shoot, done on the beaches of Bermuda, came with some challenges. Dunne revealed in an Instagram vlog that she had posed through pain due to a fractured kneecap. “Fun fact, I was shooting on a fractured kneecap,” she shared, “but it was honestly so worth it.”
A Heartfelt Goodbye to Gymnastics
In March, Dunne confirmed she was dealing with an avulsion fracture of her patella. The injury kept her from competing in LSU’s senior night, which she called a heartbreaking moment. “It absolutely breaks my heart,” she wrote. “Tiger fans, you’ve been so good to me!”
In April, she officially said goodbye to competitive gymnastics with a touching Instagram video. “Gymnastics, you have filled my heart and will always be a part of me,” she said. It was a farewell full of gratitude for the sport that shaped her life.
Livvy Dunne Balances Stardom and Personal Life
With more than 13 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Dunne has become one of the most followed college athletes in the country. She’s shared her highs and lows, even warning fans to respect her privacy after experiences with overzealous supporters. “They know time, place, airport, everything!!! Stay safe,” she once captioned a clip.
Despite the pressure, Dunne stays grounded. She’s also in a long-term relationship with MLB pitcher and former LSU star Paul Skenes, who confirmed their relationship in summer 2023. Together, they remain one of the most talked-about young couples in sports.
