5 Shocking Details About Livvy Dunne's Sports Illustrated Cover And Her Sudden Gymnastics Retirement

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Olivia "Livvy" Dunne, the LSU gymnast who became the face of the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era, has cemented her transition from college athlete to global media star by landing the coveted cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. As of December 22, 2025, Dunne's career is at a pivotal new stage, marked by both a massive career triumph and a bittersweet end to her athletic pursuits.

This article dives deep into the exclusive details of her 2024 SI cover shoot, the record-breaking NIL valuation that made it possible, and the very recent, surprising news about her gymnastics career. Her story is a fresh blueprint for the modern athlete, blending elite sports performance with unprecedented social media influence.

Olivia Dunne: Full Biography and LSU Gymnastics Career

Olivia Paige Dunne, known simply as Livvy, has built a career that defies traditional athletic boundaries. She is a former elite artistic gymnast, a prominent social media influencer, and a groundbreaking figure in the world of collegiate sports marketing.

  • Full Name: Olivia Paige Dunne
  • Date of Birth: October 1, 2002
  • Age: 23 (as of late 2025)
  • Hometown: Westwood, New Jersey
  • Education: Louisiana State University (LSU)
  • Parents: David and Katherine Dunne
  • Sibling: Julianna Dunne
  • LSU Career: Signed a National Letter of Intent to attend LSU on a full athletic scholarship for gymnastics in the fall of 2019.
  • Pre-College Achievements: Competed at the Level 10 level, participated in the Nastia Liukin Cup, and competed in the 2018 U.S. Gymnastics Championships.
  • Social Media Reach: A collective following of over 13.4 million across Instagram and TikTok, making her one of the most followed college athletes globally.
  • Relationship Status: Dating MLB pitcher Paul Skenes.

The conclusion of her LSU gymnastics career came in early 2025, following a painful kneecap injury. This injury, which occurred during her fifth and final season, ultimately led to her official retirement from competitive gymnastics, marking the end of a significant chapter in her life.

The 2024 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Story: Location, Impact, and Inspiration

Dunne’s relationship with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue has been a cornerstone of her rise to mainstream celebrity. Her debut in the 2023 issue was a major event, but her return for the 2024 issue, this time as a cover star, solidified her status as a cultural icon.

The 2024 photoshoot took place in the scenic and historic region of Porto and the North, Portugal. She was photographed by the renowned Ben Watts, who captured the essence of her personality against the stunning European backdrop.

Her inclusion on the cover is more than just a modeling achievement; it is a powerful statement about the modern female athlete. Dunne has consistently used her platform to advocate for female empowerment and body positivity, themes that resonate deeply with the SI Swimsuit brand.

Reflecting on the honor, Dunne expressed a profound sense of pride and a desire to inspire others. She stated, "I am proud to be an SI [Swimsuit] model... I just hope that other athletes feel inspired and hear my story, and know that you can do it all." This quote highlights her intention to show that elite athletics and personal branding can coexist successfully.

Her first appearance in 2023 was shot in Puerto Rico, showcasing her growth and evolution from a "rookie" to a cover star in just one year. The 2024 cover, where she was featured in a striking zebra-print bikini, became an instant viral sensation, further proving her massive influence.

From NIL Queen to Media Mogul: Livvy Dunne's Net Worth and Post-Gymnastics Future

Livvy Dunne is unequivocally the biggest success story of the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy. Her ability to monetize her massive social media following while competing as a Division I athlete has set a new financial benchmark for college sports.

Record-Breaking NIL Earnings

Dunne's financial success is staggering. During her time at LSU, her total earnings from NIL deals reached an estimated $9.5 million. Her annual valuation is consistently ranked among the highest in college sports, with an estimated $3.9 million per year.

Her net worth in 2024 is estimated to be around $6 million. This fortune is built on strategic partnerships with major national and global brands.

Key Brand Endorsements (Topical Authority Entities)

Dunne’s brand portfolio is diverse, focusing heavily on fashion and lifestyle, a passion of hers. Her most notable deals include:

  • American Eagle: A major partnership with the global apparel retailer.
  • Vuori: A prominent deal with the performance apparel company.
  • Forever 21: A key fashion and lifestyle endorsement.
  • Leaf Trading Cards: A venture into the collectible market.

These endorsements are not just transactional; they align with her personal brand, which she describes as blending athletics with a strong fashion sense.

The Future After Gymnastics

With her competitive gymnastics career now concluded due to injury, Dunne’s focus has shifted entirely to her media and business empire. Her future is no longer tied to the balance beam but to the boardroom and the camera lens. She is leveraging her massive following, her Sports Illustrated cover status, and her business acumen to build a long-term career as a media mogul and entrepreneur.

Her retirement from LSU gymnastics in 2025, though injury-forced, serves as a clear pivot point. She is now a full-time influencer and model, with the potential to expand into television, film, and her own product lines. Her journey from a young gymnast to a multi-millionaire cover star is a powerful case study in the new age of celebrity and influence.

livvy dunne sports illustrated
livvy dunne sports illustrated

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