Back in February—before the NCAA gymnastics postseason even began and before Olivia Dunne officially announced her retirement from gymnastics—the buzz had already started building. The LSU gymnast and Sports Illustrated cover star was set to appear at one of the most iconic events in American sports culture: the Kentucky Derby. This opportunity came through Club SI, a premium hospitality experience created in collaboration with Sports Illustrated, which extended an invitation to Dunne.
Two months later, that anticipated moment finally arrived. On May 2, Olivia Dunne made her entrance at Churchill Downs just in time for the kickoff festivities leading up to the 151st Kentucky Derby, also known as the “Run for the Roses.” Dressed in a style that fused traditional Derby charm with modern elegance, Dunne stood out—not just for her look, but for the role she was about to play. She had the honor of delivering the famous “Riders Up!” command at the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, a prestigious race showcasing the top three-year-old fillies in the U.S. It was a symbolic moment that represented Dunne’s seamless transition from athletic fame to mainstream cultural relevance.
One noticeable detail that caught fans’ attention was the absence of her boyfriend, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes. The couple, often seen together at high-profile events, had fans speculating about his whereabouts. Still, Dunne wasn’t without company.
During a friendly interview with Access Hollywood’s digital correspondent, Lauren Herbert, Dunne shared some behind-the-scenes details about her Derby weekend. She expressed excitement about seeing her friends and mentioned that DJ Xandra Pohl would be performing later in the event. Dunne and Pohl, both of whom appeared in a previous Sports Illustrated edition, have developed a friendship that extends beyond their modeling work and into their shared public appearances.
While Dunne’s appearance at the Derby was a celebration of her growing presence in entertainment and lifestyle circles, it also signaled the beginning of a new chapter in her career—one that may take her far beyond the gymnastics mat.
As fans reflect on her departure from the sport that made her famous, the question remains: is this the closing of a celebrated athletic chapter, or the exciting start of a new journey in the spotlight?