Olivia Dunne Reveals the Story Behind Her Stunner Runway Split During Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show
Former LSU gymnast and social media icon Olivia Dunne recently opened up about the moment that sparked a social media frenzy during the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami. The moment came when she executed a split at the end of her runway walk, a bold and unexpected move that left fans and critics alike buzzing. Dunne, who appeared on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, shared the story with Stephanie McMahon on her podcast, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes preparations and her emotions during the event.
Dunne, known for her viral popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, had never walked a runway before this moment. She revealed that she had only watched runway shows in her bedroom mirror, growing up with an obsession for events like Victoria’s Secret. The experience in Miami was a complete new chapter for her, and she faced her nerves head-on as she prepared for the big event. The show, which took place in May, marked her debut on the runway, and she was given the honor of opening the show in an iconic Sports Illustrated T-shirt. The opportunity to walk the runway for an iconic brand like Sports Illustrated was a dream come true for Dunne, who had recently left LSU and had no need to prepare for the upcoming college gymnastics season.
Dunne described the moment she decided to do the split, highlighting the support she received from her sister and the SI team. She explained that she consulted only the people she knew would encourage her to go for it, which gave her the confidence to take the risk. The SI editor, MJ Day, also played a role in giving her the green light, encouraging her to have fun with the moment. “This is not an ordinary runway. This isn’t stoic,” she recalled, and the freedom to embrace her athleticism and personality was liberating. The split, which Dunne admitted she had never seen anyone do in a runway show, became the highlight of her performance. She described it as an exhilarating moment, one that she fully embraced and made her own.
The runway show, which included other notable models like Lauren Chan, Salma Hayek, and Jordan Chiles, was a celebration of both fashion and personality. Dunne’s presence brought a unique energy to the event, blending her background in gymnastics with the creative freedom of the runway. Her transition from collegiate sports to the world of fashion has been a smooth and exciting journey. With over 8 million followers on TikTok and 5.4 million on Instagram, she has become a prominent figure in both the sports and social media worlds. Her involvement with the Pittsburgh Pirates as she cheers on her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, also highlights her continued presence in the public eye.
Dunne’s split, though a physical move, also symbolized a broader shift in how athletes are perceived in the fashion world. It was a moment that blended her identity as an athlete with her personality, and it resonated with fans worldwide. While the event itself was a showcase of fashion, Dunne’s participation brought a new dimension to the runway, one that celebrated individuality and athleticism. Her story is one of confidence, reinvention, and embracing the unexpected, and it’s a testament to her unique position in both sports and culture.