The sun isn't the only thing heating up this summer. Sports and style icon Olivia Dunne is officially returning to the pages of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit for a remarkable fourth consecutive year, solidifying her status as a mainstay of the iconic brand. The former LSU gymnastics star continues to redefine what it means to be a modern athlete, blending elite sport with high-profile modeling and now, a leap into Hollywood.
From the Gym Floor to Global Glamour
Dunne first graced the SI Swimsuit pages in 2023, and her trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. By 2025, she had earned one of the magazine's coveted cover spots, a testament to her rapid rise from collegiate athlete to fashion powerhouse. The SI creative team has already whisked her away for stunning shoots in destinations like Bermuda, Portugal, and Puerto Rico, capturing her athletic elegance against breathtaking backdrops.
This year, the magic happened in Loreto, Mexico. Dunne was part of an exclusive group photographed for the 2026 issue, sharing the spotlight with other notable figures. She celebrated the announcement on social media with a sneak peek and the confident caption: "4th year's the charm!" Her journey mirrors that of other inspiring figures breaking barriers, like Bethenny Frankel, who made a jaw-dropping Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut at 55, proving that the spotlight has no age limit.
A Pioneer Beyond the Pose
MJ Day, Editor in Chief of SI Swimsuit, praises Dunne for impact that stretches far beyond a photoshoot. "Olivia Dunne's drive goes far beyond the floor and bars—it's about changing the game for athletes everywhere," Day said. "She was a trailblazer in leveraging name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities, constructing a brand that's both massively successful and authentically hers. She's a pioneering force who has carved out new paths at the intersection of sports, business, and digital influence."
This pioneering spirit is reshaping how athletes approach their careers, much like how a red swimsuit sensation recently ignited social media for an ESPN SportsCenter anchor, showing the powerful blend of sports media and personal brand.
Diving into a New Role: 'Baywatch' Calls
But Dunne's 2026 plans aren't confined to magazine spreads. In a thrilling career expansion, she's set to make a splash on the small screen. Deadline recently reported that Dunne has landed a supporting role in FOX's upcoming reboot of the classic series "Baywatch." She'll play Grace, described as a "highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard," joining a cast that includes Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, and Noah Beck.
This move signals Dunne's ambitious push into entertainment, potentially kicking off a vibrant acting career. It's a bold step that showcases her versatility and appeal, transitioning seamlessly from the balance beam to the beach patrol. As athletes continue to dominate pop culture, stories like Joe Burrow and Olivia Ponton fueling romance rumors after a star-studded flag football event further highlight this fascinating crossover.
An Unstoppable Year Ahead
With a fourth SI Swimsuit feature in the bag and a prime-time TV role on the horizon, Olivia Dunne is poised for her most dynamic year yet. She exemplifies the new-era athlete: a competitor, a businesswoman, an influencer, and now an actress. Her ability to capitalize on NIL deals early on has not only built a personal empire but has also illuminated a roadmap for countless other collegiate and professional athletes.
From the sands of Loreto to the fictional beaches of "Baywatch," Dunne's star power shows no signs of dimming. As she continues to break molds and set new standards, one thing is clear: Livvy Dunne is playing a whole different game, and she's winning it on her own terms.
