In an exciting turn of events for the sports and modeling industries alike, Livvy Dunne, the celebrated gymnast and LSU alum, has firmly cemented her place among the elite by earning a coveted cover spot in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The announcement came on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in her blossoming career as she donned a striking zebra-printed bikini, captured against the beautiful backdrop of Bermuda by photographer Ben Watts. Dunne, 22, radiated confidence, representing not just herself, but a collective movement of empowered athletes who defy convention.
Embracing her new role, Dunne’s exuberance shines through as she reflects on this major achievement. “This bikini… this was the one. I felt like such a baddie in it. This is the best day of my life. This is so exciting,” she expressed in an interview. Her enthusiasm transcends personal joy; it taps into a broader narrative of self-discovery and empowerment. Dunne emphasizes how this cover represents not just her physicality but a new chapter in her life where she can inspire others with her story.
A Platform for Change
Livvy Dunne’s rise to stardom isn’t merely a tale of glamour; it serves as a testament to the evolving nature of athletic representation in the media. She is one of the youngest and highest-paid female NCAA athletes, aligning herself with a wave of athletes who are redefining their brands. Traditionally, athletes might have spent years building their reputations strictly on the field, but Dunne has leveraged the burgeoning influence of name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements, turning herself into a multifaceted brand.
MJDay, editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, articulated the magazine’s broader mission. “Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has always been about more than swimsuits and stunning imagery,” she clarifies. The publication endeavors “to capture moments that define our times, celebrating people who are shaping culture.” Dunne certainly fits this description by emerging as a powerful symbol of the changing landscape in sports and media, encouraging not just fellow athletes, but everyone, to stand firm in their identities.
Balancing Act: A New Era for Athletes
In a landscape increasingly populated by social media influencers and multi-hyphenate stars, Dunne exemplifies the possibility of balancing athletic prowess, academic responsibilities, and modeling. “When people look at my Sports Illustrated photos, I want them to take away that you can have the best of both worlds,” she explains. This statement encapsulates her desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams without feeling under pressure to conform to a single identity or expectation.
Subsequently, Dunne’s participation in the magazine underscores a larger cultural shift toward embracing multi-dimensional women who can thrive in various arenas. The 2025 issue will also spotlight numerous other athletes, including track star Gabby Thomas and WNBA star Cameron Brink, reinforcing the message that excellence is not confined to one domain.
Breaking the Mold: A New Kind of Role Model
Livvy Dunne is part of a groundbreaking generation of athletes whose visibility in mainstream media empowers young people globally. By sharing her story through the lens of Sports Illustrated, she not only showcases her physical fitness but also her tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit. “I just hope that other athletes feel inspired,” Dunne remarked, urging her peers to fight for what’s right. This emphasis on activism reflects a broader trend where athletes are increasingly stepping beyond their performance on the field or court to engage in issues of social justice and representation.
She’s undoubtedly making waves as a style icon and champion of her generation, proving that models and athletes can, and should, stand together. Livvy Dunne calls for a recalibration of how we view success, one that champions individuality and the pursuit of passion, regardless of societal norms and expectations. This stance not only resonates with her followers but redefines what it means to be an athlete in our current landscape, bridging the often-divided worlds of sport and fashion with grace and grit.
This new chapter in Dunne’s life is not just about her personal achievements; it’s about setting a transformative precedent for what it means to be visible and impactful in today’s world.