Livvy Dunne Opens Up About Painful Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Shoot with a Fractured Kneecap but Says It Was Totally Worth It
- Jun 5
- 3 min read
28 May 2025
Olivia "Livvy" Dunne, the former LSU gymnastics star and social media phenomenon, recently revealed an unexpected challenge she faced during her 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover shoot. In an intimate and candid Instagram video shared on May 19, Dunne opened up about shooting the iconic cover while nursing a fractured kneecap, an injury that made some of the poses painful but didn’t stop her from delivering a stunning performance.
The athlete-turned-model explained that one particular pose for the cover involved kneeling in shallow beach water, which was especially tough given her injury. “That one kind of hurt,” Dunne admitted, referencing the kneeling shot, “but it was totally worth it.” The shoot took place in the picturesque setting of Bermuda, where Dunne stunned in a zebra-print bikini and a casual backwards baseball cap. Despite the discomfort, her energy and confidence radiated through every frame, capturing the attention of fans and critics alike.
This moment marks Dunne’s third appearance in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, a notable achievement for someone who rose to fame primarily through gymnastics and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Joining the ranks of other high-profile figures on the 2025 cover, including actress Salma Hayek Pinault and gymnast Jordan Chiles, Dunne has proven that her influence extends far beyond the gymnastics mat.
During the SI Swimsuit launch party held in New York City on May 15, Dunne spoke about her excitement for this new chapter in her life. After announcing her retirement from competitive gymnastics in April 2025 due to the knee injury, she is eager to explore new opportunities in entertainment and beyond. “I’m really excited to do everything and be able to travel and to do things on my time,” she said. “Gymnastics has always been my life, so it’s really cool to transition into other areas like performing and acting.”
Fans have been inspired by Dunne’s resilience, especially considering how challenging it can be for athletes to reinvent themselves after retiring from sports, often due to injury. Dunne’s graceful handling of her career shift, from a decorated gymnast to a model and influencer, highlights her adaptability and determination. Her openness about the injury and the physical pain she endured during the shoot makes her story even more relatable and admirable.
Livvy Dunne’s journey reflects a broader trend of athletes leveraging their social media presence to build diverse careers that go beyond sports. Her ability to maintain a strong connection with her audience while branching out into fashion and entertainment demonstrates the power of personal branding in the digital age.
The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition has long been a cultural phenomenon, and Dunne’s presence on the cover cements her status as a rising star with widespread appeal. Her story of overcoming pain and pushing through challenges sends a powerful message to young athletes and fans: setbacks can lead to new beginnings, and passion combined with perseverance can open doors to exciting possibilities.
As Dunne continues to explore new avenues in acting and performance, her fans eagerly anticipate what she will accomplish next. Whether it’s on a stage, in front of a camera, or continuing her work as a content creator, Livvy Dunne’s future looks bright and she’s already proving that a fractured kneecap won’t slow her down.
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