By KBC Associate :max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(749x0:751x2)/livvy-dunne-tout-051625-6baf8b355a204a50ba98a6776bddc25c.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Livvy Dunne Teases More ‘On Screen’ Work in Next Career Move (Exclusive)")
NEED TO KNOW
- Olivia “Livvy” Dunne teased on-screen work now that she’s retired from gymnastics, hinting at her next career endeavor when speaking with PEOPLE exclusively at the SI Swim launch party
- The former gymnast opened up about the opportunities she couldn’t do when she was in training that she’s looking forward to now that she has more freedom
- Dunne also explained how she’s changed as a “woman” in this year’s SI Swim shoot compared to her Rookie issue three years ago
Livvy Dunne is flipping the script.
The gymnastics star, 22, teased an unexpected career venture when speaking with PEOPLE exclusively on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit launch party red carpet at The Hard Rock Hotel in New York City on Thursday, May 15.
Now that Dunne is officially retired from the sport she’s dedicated her life to since she was 3 years old, the LSU graduate — and SI Swim cover star — said she’s looking forward to participating in experiences that she wasn’t able to do amid a strict gymnastics schedule when training.
“I’ve always said ‘no’ to opportunities way more than I’ve said ‘yes’ — so, I’m excited to do everything and be able to travel and to be able to do things on my time because it’s always been around gymnastics,” Dunne told PEOPLE exclusively.
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“My life has revolved around gymnastics,” the former college athlete continued. “So, honestly, to be able to say yes to more things and potentially maybe do some more performing art stuff on screen — and I’m very excited.”
When asked by PEOPLE if that was a tease for acting, Dunne had a hinting response.
“I don’t know, I don’t know! Stay tuned!” she replied.
Dunne joins fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles, model Lauren Chan and Oscar winner Salma Hayek Pinault as the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover stars. This year marks her third time featured in the issue, making her Rookie debut in 2023.
With two SI Swimsuit shoots under her belt, Dunne’s mindset has evolved over the years.
“I really do feel like a different person than three years ago during my first shoot with SI,” she shares. “I feel like my confidence has grown. I feel like I’m a woman now, and I’ve really stepped into this new role, and I’m just so excited to be on this year’s cover.”
Ben Watts/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
In April, Dunne spoke with PEOPLE exclusively at length about her post-gymnastics plans before she announced her retirement from the sport on April 1, and looks forward to “more freedom” and time spent with her boyfriend, MLB star Paul Skenes.
“I’m going to be done with gymnastics, which is a crazy thing to say,” she said at the time. “So I’m going to have more freedom… I’ve been a competitive gymnast since I was 3 years old.”
While the gymnast’s season has officially come to an end, her boyfriend’s baseball season is underway. With training and practices behind her, she’s all in on supporting the Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher at his games.
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Olivia Dunne/Instagram
“I’m super excited to be able to spend time with Paul,” Dunne said. “I’ve always had to train during my summers and stuff… So to be able to not have to do gymnastics training and be able to spend more time in Pittsburgh with Paul, enjoying the baseball season, I’m looking forward to that.”
“And hopefully the Pirates can turn things around,” she continued of Skene’s MLB team. “They did not have the best series against the Marlins, but I’m excited to see what Paul can do and how his mindset and his leadership role can help the Pirates win.”