As Team USA prepares for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, attention is not just on the field – it’s also online. The team, featuring stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Bryce Harper, Aaron Judge, and Kyle Schwarber, kicked off its spring exhibition against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday.
On the mound for that game was the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes, who embraced the opportunity to pitch for his country in front of a national audience. Fans are eager to see this star-studded lineup battle in the early stages of the tournament.
While the players focus on baseball, another American figure has captured widespread attention on social media: Olivia Dunne, the former LSU Tigers gymnast, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model, and social media sensation.
Dunne has quickly transitioned from elite athlete to online influencer, using her platform to showcase her athleticism and now, patriotic flair. One of her past posts, a USA-themed bikini paired with a cowboy hat, has once again gone viral, drawing praise for its nod to national pride.
The response from fans has been overwhelming. One admirer wrote, “Definitely all American and beautiful!” while another simply posted, “USA!!”.
A viral moment sparks pride
Dunne‘s influence doesn’t stop at photos. She also shared a TikTok video showing herself performing gymnastics poolside while sporting the USA bikini, seamlessly combining athletic skill with patriotism
The video reinforces Dunne‘s image as both a former elite athlete and a cultural influencer who can inspire pride, especially as Team USA looks to come out on top in the WBC.
The timing of Dunne‘s viral moment aligns perfectly with the World Baseball Classic, where players like Harper and Skenes are vocal about the significance of representing their country.
Harper has highlighted the emotional impact of hearing the national anthem before games, while Skenes has discussed how his American roots influence his approach to competition.
Whether it’s Skenes‘ pitching or Dunne‘s viral swimsuit photo, the message is clear: patriotism is alive and accessible to everyone.
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