Former LSU Tigers gymnast Olivia Dunne made headlines over the weekend after her split during the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Fashion Show went viral. The national champion, who has been a prominent figure in social media since her collegiate days, shared her reaction on X on Sunday, writing, ‘I got triple dog dared.’ Dunne’s performance, which included a striking pose and an interaction with musician Xandra Pohl, showcased her continued presence in the fashion world.
The event saw Dunne strut down the runway in a black and white polka-dot bathing suit featuring red bows in the front and down toward her hips. As she reached the end of the aisle, she executed a split, drawing cheers from the audience. Her performance was part of her continued involvement in the fashion industry, following her selection as a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model last month. The cover model list included other notable names such as Lauren Chan, Salma Hayek, and Jordan Chiles.
Dunne, who gained fame during her collegiate career at LSU, where she contributed to the team’s 2024 national championship, faced some challenges in her final year due to an injury. However, her fame also brought attention to the issue of fan behavior, as she has openly discussed her fears of being stalked by fans at airports. She recently shared a video from her most recent airport encounter, expressing her concerns over the harassment by a group of men seeking her autograph.
Dunne’s ongoing presence in the public eye includes her support for her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, who continues to make headlines in Major League Baseball. Her experience highlights the intersection of sports and fashion, as well as the challenges of maintaining personal privacy in the face of public scrutiny.