Livvy Dunne wowed audiences at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show 2025 in Miami with her daring “Death Drop” in a string bikini, creating a moment that left viewers in awe. The former LSU gymnast, Livvy Dunne, aged 22, took the runway by storm on Saturday, May 31, as she gracefully executed the splits during her walk down the runway at the prestigious event hosted at W South Beach.
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The eye-catching act was not just a spur-of-the-moment decision for Dunne, as she later revealed that she had been “triple dog dared” to attempt the move. Despite the spontaneity, Dunne executed the challenging splits effortlessly, garnering admiration and applause from the audience. She donned a striking black and white polka dot one-piece swimsuit adorned with red bows from Gabriela Pires Beachwear, exuding confidence and defying expectations.
While the viral moment appeared seamless, Dunne shared a behind-the-scenes glimpse on TikTok, showcasing her preparation as she practised the manoeuvre before the show. Her dedication and skill were evident as she flawlessly transitioned from wearing a black cropped jacket and shorts to nailing the splits on the runway, eliciting a positive reception from the crowd. With a humorous touch, Dunne captioned her TikTok post with a playful pun, labelling it as “a split decision ;).”
The excitement continued on Dunne’s social media platforms as she playfully shared the incident with her followers. Posting on Instagram, she juxtaposed a photo of her executing the splits with an image of her initial outfit – a zebra print bikini bottom complemented by a red and white top from the SI Swimsuit x Oh Polly Capsule collection. Dunne captioned the post, “It all happened in a split second ;)”, adding a light-hearted touch to her impressive runway moment.
Prior to her show-stopping performance, Dunne had already overcome obstacles during her journey to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show. In a candid Instagram post on May 19, she disclosed that she had endured a fractured kneecap while shooting for the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover in Bermuda. Despite the challenges, Dunne conveyed that the experience was worth the pain, highlighting her dedication to the craft and resilience in the face of adversity.
With multiple appearances in SI Swimsuit editions, including this year’s feature where she graced the cover alongside renowned figures like Salma Hayek Pinault, Lauren Chan, and Jordan Chiles, Livvy Dunne continues to captivate audiences with her undeniable talent and charm. Her ability to blend athleticism and glamour has solidified her presence in the fashion industry, prompting speculation about her future ventures beyond the realm of gymnastics.
As Dunne navigates the transition from her gymnastics career to new opportunities, her fans eagerly anticipate her next moves. The 2025 SI Swimsuit launch party saw Dunne hint at potential avenues for exploration, leaving the door open for potential ventures in acting and other creative pursuits. The runway moment may have been a split second decision, but for Livvy Dunne, it symbolises a bold leap into a future brimming with possibilities and promise.