SI Swim Alums Applaud Gymnast Olivia Dunne's Stunning Debut
Olivia Dunne's fellow Sports Illustrated models are overjoyed to welcome her to the Swim family!
The 20-year-old LSU gymnast was announced as the newest Swim Model of 2023 this week with a video montage of her floorwork, her TikTok account, and behind-the-scenes footage of her very first shoot with photographer Ben Watts in Puerto Rico this past January, with those images debuting in next month's edition of the annual Swimsuit publication.
Dunne, who goes by the nickname Livvy, is the NCAA’s highest-earning female athlete since restrictions on college-athlete endorsements and monetization were lifted.
“Livvy is harnessing this newfound power and turning it into a long-term, sustainable brand, growing the sport of collegiate gymnastics and setting an example for athletes of the future of what they are also capable of accomplishing outside of the competitive arena. In a world where women are constantly being forced to pick a lane, Livvy is in all of them, winning. We couldn’t be more excited to feature her on the pages of our 2023 issue,” SI Swimsuit editor-in-chief MJ Day was quoted in the caption of the video posted on Instagram by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
Other Swim Rookies and alums were quick to hype the newest model up over the announcement.
"Welcome to the fam livvy!!!! @livvydunne ♥️♥️♥️," Camille Kostek, who joined the Swim family in 2018, wrote in response.
2023 Rookies also shared the love with their fellow model, too, with Sixtine Rouyre writing, "so gorgeous!! congrats babe ❤️," and Ellie Thumann leaving a series of emojis: "❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️."
Christen Harper, last year's Co-Rookie of the Year, also commented, writing, "Yesssssss @livvydunne ✨."
Fellow Louisiana girl Brooks Nader was thrilled by her addition, celebrating, "LOUISIANA IN THE HOUSE!!!!! Welcome gorgeous 💜 💛."
"Ahhh I’m so excited for you @livvydunne !!! Welcome to the best fam ever❤️," Katie Austin added.
2023's Swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated hits shelves next month.
