Livvy Dunne’s Sports Illustrated Swim Photo Named One of 2025’s Standouts

A behind-the-scenes photo of Livvy Dunne from the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is gaining renewed attention after being highlighted by renowned photographer Ben Watts. Watts shared a selection of images from the shoot on Instagram on December 30, calling them personal highlights from his time working with Dunne and the SI Swim team in Bermuda. One image, featuring Dunne stretching in the sunlight during the shoot, quickly stood out among fans and fellow creatives.

A Signature SI Swim Moment

In the widely shared image, Dunne is seen stretching toward the sun while wearing a minimalist bikini, captured against the bright coastal backdrop of Bermuda. The photo emphasizes athletic form, movement and natural light — elements long associated with the visual identity of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

Watts praised the production team and location in his caption, describing the shoot as a collaborative effort and giving credit to the island setting that framed the images. Dunne herself responded in the comments with a brief endorsement, calling the shot “the best,” a reaction that further fueled fan engagement.

A Landmark Year for the Swimsuit Issue

The 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition featured four cover athletes, with Dunne joined by fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles, fashion entrepreneur Lauren Chan and actress Salma Hayek. Dunne’s inclusion marked another milestone in her growing career beyond gymnastics, where she has successfully expanded into modeling, brand partnerships and mainstream sports culture.

Fans and Creatives React

Reaction to Watts’ post was swift. Fans described the images as “stunning,” “joyful” and “beautiful,” while members of the photoshoot crew also commented, celebrating the collaboration and the final result. The behind-the-scenes angle gave followers insight into the process behind the finished magazine spread, offering a more candid look at the shoot compared to the polished images seen on newsstands.

Beyond the Magazine Pages

In addition to her appearance in the SI Swimsuit issue, Dunne made headlines earlier this year by closing the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show during Miami Swim Week. Her appearance included a surprise athletic move — a full split on the runway — that underscored her gymnastics background.

As one of the most recognizable college athletes in the United States, Dunne continues to bridge sports, fashion and social media. Her SI Swim work reflects a broader shift toward celebrating athleticism alongside traditional modeling aesthetics.

As 2025 comes to a close, the resurfacing of this image highlights how a single behind-the-scenes moment can resonate long after the initial publication — especially when it captures confidence, movement and personality in equal measure.