Livvy Dunne’s Grit: Fractured Kneecap Didn’t Stop SI Swimsuit Cover Shoot
Olivia “Livvy” dunne, the celebrated former LSU gymnast and social media star, recently unveiled that her stunning Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover shoot was accomplished under challenging circumstances.She persevered through the pain of a fractured kneecap, underscoring her dedication and resilience.
the Backstory: Dunne’s Injury Revealed
In a behind-the-scenes video documenting her journey to becoming a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model,Dunne disclosed she was grappling with a knee injury while shooting in picturesque Bermuda. Despite the discomfort, Dunne, now 22, affirmed it was “honestly so worth it.”
Cover Girl Revelation
The image of Dunne posing in an animal print bikini while kneeling not only made the final cut but was also selected as the cover shot.Sports Illustrated Swimsuit playfully commented on Dunne’s video, noting that she was unknowingly capturing her cover moment.
Reflecting on the honor,Dunne took to Instagram to express her excitement: “I AM A SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIM COVER MODEL! Somebody pinch me!”
Timeline of the Injury
Two months prior to the cover reveal,Dunne shared news of her injury,an avulsion fracture of her patella,which sidelined her from LSU’s senior night in March 2025.This proclamation was made via an Instagram story, where she expressed her disappointment at missing the opportunity to compete one last time in front of her devoted fans.
“It absolutely breaks my heart to not get the opportunity to compete in the PMAC one last time. Tiger fans, you’ve been so good to me! Thank you for the endless support and as always Geaux Tigers! – Liv.” Dunne posted.
Gymnastics career Closure
Dunne concluded her gymnastics career at LSU in April 2025, with the team securing third place in the NCAA semifinals. Although they fell short of repeating as national champions, Dunne cherished her time as a gymnast.
Livvy Dunne: More Than Just Gymnastics
Livvy Dunne’s journey extends beyond her athletic achievements. With over 13 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, she has become a prominent social media influencer. Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career outside of gymnastics.
Other Cover Stars
Dunne joins a distinguished group of women, including Salma Hayek, Lauren Chan, and Jordan Chiles, who also graced individual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers in 2025. This diverse lineup highlights the magazine’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.
A Closer Look at Livvy Dunne’s Achievements
To better understand Livvy Dunne’s impact, here’s a summary of her key accomplishments and milestones:
| achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover | Made her debut as a cover model in 2025, despite a fractured kneecap. |
| LSU Gymnastics Career | Competed for LSU, contributing to the team’s success, including a third-place finish at the NCAA semifinals. |
| Social Media Influence | Boasts over 13 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, making her a significant influencer. |
| Academic Pursuits | Successfully balanced her athletic and social media careers with her studies at LSU. |
Endorsement Landscape for College Athletes
Dunne’s success also highlights the evolving landscape of college sports, where athletes can now capitalize on their name, image, and likeness (NIL). As the NCAA’s policy change in 2021, student-athletes have gained unprecedented opportunities for endorsements and partnerships.
A recent study by Athliance reported that NIL spending is projected to reach $1.14 billion in 2024.This shift has not only empowered athletes financially but also added a new dimension to the college sports ecosystem, fostering entrepreneurship and brand-building skills.
Frequently Asked Questions About Livvy Dunne
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How did Livvy Dunne manage to shoot the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover with an injury?
Despite having a fractured kneecap, Livvy Dunne persevered through the pain to complete the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover shoot in Bermuda.
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When did Livvy Dunne reveal her knee injury?
Livvy dunne first shared news of her avulsion fracture in March 2025, ahead of LSU’s senior night, which sidelined her from competition.
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What was Livvy Dunne’s reaction to being on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover?
Livvy Dunne was ecstatic and surprised to learn that she was chosen for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover, calling it a dream come true.
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Besides Livvy Dunne, who else was featured on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover?
The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue also featured Salma Hayek, Lauren Chan, and Jordan Chiles on separate covers.
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What is an avulsion fracture, the injury Livvy Dunne sustained?
An avulsion fracture occurs when a small piece of bone attached to a tendon or ligament breaks away from the main bone. In Livvy Dunne’s case, it affected her patella.
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Where did Livvy Dunne shoot for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit?
Livvy Dunne’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photoshoot took place on location in Bermuda.
What are your thoughts on Livvy Dunne’s accomplishment? Share your comments below and let us know what inspires you most about her journey!
How did Livvy Dunne balance the demands of a professional gymnast with the physical and logistical challenges of an SI Swimsuit photoshoot?
Livvy Dunne’s SI Swimsuit Shoot: The real Story
The world was captivated by gymnast and model Olivia Dunne’s 2024 SI Swimsuit shoot, filmed in the stunning landscapes of Porto and Northern Portugal. But behind the glamorous photos and captivating scenery lies a deeper narrative. What challenges and hardships did Livvy Dunne overcome during the photoshoot? Let’s dive in and explore the hidden story, including the challenges of modeling, logistical hurdles, and the overall experience for both Livvy and the SI team.
The Allure of Portugal: Location as a Character
Portugal provided the perfect backdrop for the SI Swimsuit shoot. The diverse surroundings,from the historic city of Porto to the rugged coastline,added depth and dimension to the photos. The location was a key component of the photoshoot’s success, providing both beauty and challenges.
Challenges of a remote Shoot
Shooting in a foreign country involves various logistical hurdles. The SI team had to navigate specific permits, transportation of equipment, and dialog issues. Here’s a glimpse into the difficulties:
- Language Barriers: Communicating effectively with local vendors and crew.
- Weather dependency: Relying on unpredictable weather patterns for outdoor shoots.
- Logistics of Equipment: transporting and maintaining essential camera gear, lighting, and other photographic equipment.
Porto and Northern Portugal: ideal for Swimsuit Shoots?
The choice of Porto and Northern portugal was a strategic decision. The unique combination of historical landmarks, beautiful beaches, and striking architecture offered diverse shooting locations. this created a range of environments for Livvy’s photos. The SI Swimsuit shoot aimed to not only showcase the beauty of the model but also of the location itself.
The Balancing Act: Gymnastics and Modeling
Livvy Dunne’s background as a top gymnast impacts her approach to modeling. Her focus on precise routines and physical fitness plays an important role.But what are the specific differences and similarities?
Physical Demands of a Swimsuit Shoot
In addition to the physical demands of gymnastics, swimsuit modeling involves rigorous demands as well. The shoots include long hours, complex posing, and consistently maintaining a physical appearance required for the camera.
- Patience: The necessity to pose for extended periods while working with photographers.
- Physical Endurance: Staying prepared for various shots in different conditions and locations.
- Continuous Adaptation: The ability to adjust to various instructions and guidance from the modeling and photography team.
Preparing and Maintaining Fitness
maintaining peak physical condition is vrey important. Livvy Dunne probably followed specific training routines, paid close attention to her food intake, and prioritized rest and recovery to prepare for the swimsuit shoot.. The readiness often included,but was not limited to:
- Gymnastics-Specific Training: Maintaining strength,versatility,and physical conditioning.
- Nutrition and Diet: The integration of a healthy diet to help with physical endurance and overall fitness.
- Rest and Recovery: Ensuring sufficient rest for optimizing physical fitness and physical performance.
Brands and Styles Featured in the SI Swimsuit Issue
The SI Swimsuit issue features diverse brands, reflecting various swimsuit designs. Here’s a highlight of some:
| Brand Category | Key Features | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|
| Swimsuits | Stylish coverage,fabrics,distinct cuts,and on-trend design elements. | Modern women who want a style and trendsetting look. |
| Activewear and Accessories | Products to meet needs for the shoots and other activities. | Those interested in lifestyle activities and maintaining a fitness focused life |
Unseen Struggles: The “Painful Truth”
While glamour photos are generally viewed, behind the scenes lie challenges. What pressures did Livvy face during the SI Swimsuit photoshoot?
Maintaining a Public Image in the Spotlight
The constant media attention and public scrutiny can take a toll . Livvy Dunne must effectively manage personal life and brand, while continuing to meet professional obligations. This involves consistent brand strategy, social media interaction, and keeping a constant level of professionalism with media and public.
Impact of Social Media
Social media plays a dual role. while she has a great opportunity to increase popularity and engagement, it can also provide a platform for criticism and negativity. Many individuals are very speedy to share opinions and judgments, placing additional pressure on already challenging activities.
