Olivia Dunne is doing what she does best—capturing the internet's attention. The former LSU gymnast turned social media powerhouse celebrated her 24th birthday on Thursday with a series of sun-soaked vacation photos that have fans and followers hitting the like button in droves.
Dunne, who became a household name through her gymnastics career with the Tigers, has since built a massive digital empire. Her Instagram feed is a mix of training clips, lifestyle content, and glamorous snapshots, and her latest birthday post from the Bahamas is no exception. She's currently soaking up the sun with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates ace Paul Skenes, and the photos are pure tropical bliss.
It's no surprise that Dunne's every move generates buzz. She was one of the first collegiate athletes to fully capitalize on name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, turning her platform into a lucrative brand. That pioneering spirit caught the eye of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, which featured her on a cover—a milestone that editor-in-chief MJ Day says reflects Dunne's broader impact.
“Olivia Dunne’s why goes far beyond the floor and bars—it’s about changing the game for athletes everywhere,” Day told the outlet. “She was one of the first to leverage the power of name, image and likeness deals, building a brand that’s both financially successful and rooted in showing the real Livvy. She’s not just a social media sensation; she’s a pioneering force who has created opportunities for herself and, by extension, countless other athletes by demonstrating how to navigate the intersection of sports, business and digital influence.”
Dunne's birthday post drew an outpouring of love, including a comment from Day herself, who wrote, “Happiest birthday Livvy.” Fans chimed in with “What a queen” and “Happy birthday Livvy,” showing that her appeal spans far beyond the gymnastics community. It's a familiar scene for Dunne, who has consistently proven she can spark social media frenzies with a single post.
But Dunne isn't just about beach photos and birthday wishes. She's also making moves in Hollywood. Earlier this year, it was announced that she'll be part of the upcoming Baywatch reboot, set to premiere on FOX during the 2026-2027 season. According to Deadline, the show will follow Hobie (played by Amell) as a Baywatch captain, with his daughter Charlie (Belkin) showing up to carry on the family legacy. Dunne will play a “highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard,” a role that seems tailor-made for her energetic persona.
Fans are already speculating about how Dunne will handle the acting gig, and if her social media presence is any indication, she'll bring the same charisma that has made her a star. Whether she's posing for stunning beach photos or prepping for her TV debut, Dunne continues to expand her brand beyond the gym floor.
With her 24th birthday in the books, Dunne shows no signs of slowing down. Between her NIL ventures, her SI Swimsuit cover, and her upcoming acting role, she's proving that athletes can build careers that transcend their sport. And with a boyfriend like Skenes, who's making waves on the mound, the power couple is one to watch—both on and off the field.
As the Baywatch reboot gears up for its 2027 premiere, fans will be eagerly watching to see if Dunne can translate her online magic to the small screen. If her birthday photos are any clue, she's ready for the spotlight—and she's not afraid to shine.
