Gymnast-turned-celebrity Olivia Dunne just added another milestone to her already high-profile resum, gracing the cover of the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
And if that weren’t enough, the 22-year-old made headlines once again after sharing a post-event frame with rap icon 50 Cent, capturing a moment that had fans buzzing across social media.
Dunne made her red carpet debut at the SI launch party in a sleek Kate Barton ensemble, accessorized with a sparkling Benedetta Bruzziches clutch. The glamorous event marked her first official appearance as an SI cover girl, a title she now shares with fellow stars Salma Hayek, gymnast Jordan Chiles, and model Lauren Chan.
Following the launch, Dunne popped up in an Instagram Story that set fans talking. The viral snapshot featured the gymnast posing with 50 Cent at what appeared to be an exclusive after-party. The rapper had captioned his original post: “Sports illustrated bad bitches every where what ! Me and Rob Gronk was chilling. You know the vibes!”
Dunne reshared the image with a succinct but telling caption: “Yktv” – shorthand for You know the vibe.
The lighthearted exchange between pop culture icons added a celebratory note to what has been an emotionally complex year for Dunne. She competed in only four NCAA meets in the 2025 season before suffering an avulsion fracture in her kneecap, forcing her to sit out the semi-finals. Her LSU Tigers ultimately placed third, falling short of back-to-back national titles.
From elite gymnast to cultural influencer
In April 2025, Dunne officially announced her retirement from competitive gymnastics. Her decision followed a senior year filled with promise and pain, bookended by a legacy that includes helping LSU win its first national championship in 2024.
Though stepping away from competition, Dunne made it clear she’s not stepping away from the sport. She’s expected to take on media roles, brand ambassadorships, and mentorship opportunities within gymnastics-leveraging both her athletic expertise and massive online following.
With her Sports Illustrated feature, Dunne is evolving into a cultural force well beyond college athletics.
The SI cover marks a new chapter for the gymnast who once balanced grueling training schedules with modeling gigs and a social media empire.
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