Livvy Dunne went from scandal to securing the most coveted cover in sports

What for many might’ve been a PR slip, Livvy Dunne turned into Olympic-level momentum. The former gymnast from Louisiana State University (LSU), now a standout face in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, revealed that the starting point of her modeling career began with a controversy far removed from any gym apparatus.

According to what was later referenced by outlets like the New York Post, in November 2022 The New York Times published an article that questioned the rise of female college athletes in the NIL (name, image, likeness) space. The piece was accompanied by a photo of Livvy Dunne in her official team uniform, paired with the eye-catching headline: “Sex sells.”

Media storm

The image, taken by the paper’s own team inside LSU’s gym, showed Livvy Dunne standing in front of a balance beam, wearing the standard competition leotard. The framing and headline lit up social media. Why sexualize a performance uniform? Dunne responded swiftly and sharply, reposting the same photo on Instagram with a sarcastic caption that challenged the editorial angle. The move didn’t just earn digital applause—it caught the attention of Sports Illustrated.

 

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Dream come true

“They offered me the magazine appearance after that moment,”. Recalled Livvy Dunne on the podcast What’s Your Story?, hosted by Steph McMahon. And it wasn’t just any feature. Dunne starred on the cover of the 2025 swimsuit edition, joining a legacy that includes legends like Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and Megan Rapinoe.

With over 12 million combined followers across TikTok and Instagram. Livvy Dunne represents a new wave of athletes who build personal brands without asking permission. Her skills on the mat speak for themselves, but she’s also proven she can handle controversies, reshape narratives, and create space for female athletes with voices that demand to be heard.

Besides, now retired from NCAA competition, Livvy Dunne is redirecting her career toward entertainment and advocacy for NIL rights. She’s become a reference point for young gymnasts who aim to balance athletic performance with commercial opportunity.

While critics question Livvy Dunne for monetizing her image. She responds with success—covers, projects, and a clear focus on empowering athletes. Everything she touches seems to turn to gold. The camera adores her, and so do the fans. It’s something Dunne has learned to channel in her favor.