Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne have a lot going on right now. The star pitcher has been carrying his team on his back – the Pirates struggle to find pace, while Skene continues to dominate, emerging as a contender for the NL CY Young Award.
Dunne also has several eyes on her since she landed the cover of Sports Illustrated. In fact, it was during last week’s SI Swimsuit runway show in Miami that internet sensation Alix Earle caught up with the former artistic gymnast.
Olivia Dunne Reacts to Friend and Fellow Swimsuit Model, Alix Earle’s Social Media Post
The SI swimsuit models gathered at the luxurious W South Hotel in Miami Beach, FL, for the elite beach party. Dunne already knew her way around – the 22-year-old first featured in the magazine in 2023 for their Puerto Rico shoot, and then later in 2024 for Portugal. A good friend of Dunne, Earle, was also invited, and soon after the event ended, she shared her experience on Instagram.
A couple of images in the post had Earle sharing the frame with Dunne, while others were mostly snaps from her ramp walk at the event. The caption on the post read, “Best night with @si_swimsuit. There’s nothing better than being with such an amazing group of women who are all there to celebrate each other. 🙂 Thank you to the incredible SI SWIM team for having me back this year!!”
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Dunne was quick to share her reaction to the post and penned a fun four-word comment on it. Her comment read, “Barking at the screen.”
Dunne graduated from LSU in December 2024 and retired from their gymnastics program in April. Since then, Dunne has relocated to New York City and is currently attending graduate school. Despite her busy and action-packed life, Dunne always takes out time for people who matter to her.
She is the biggest supporter of Skenes’ endeavors on and off the field and was present in the stands at Chase Field during his most recent big league start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 28. A day later, she celebrated Skenes’ 23rd birthday and also shared an endearing Instagram post wishing the Pittsburgh Pirates ace.
Skenes is 4-5 for the season with a 2.15 ERA, 77 strikeouts, and a 0.92 WHIP. His record doesn’t tell the complete story about his highly productive starts this season. The Fullerton native has been dominant on the mound and has continued his searing form from last year’s rookie season.
Skenes will be making his next start in the series opener against the Houston Astros at home in PNC Park on Tuesday, June 3. The 2024 NL Rookie of the Year will be eyeing to finish the first half of his second full season with the Pirates on a high.