Back in February, long before the NCAA gymnastics postseason unfolded—and before Olivia Dunne officially retired from the sport that made her a household name—the buzz had already begun. The LSU star and Sports Illustrated cover sensation was set to be part of one of the biggest weekends in American sports culture: Kentucky Derby week at Churchill Downs. The credit goes to Club SI, the exclusive hospitality suite brought to life in partnership with Sports Illustrated, which extended the coveted invitation to Dunne. Fast forward two whirlwind months, and the moment finally arrived. On May 2, Olivia made her grand entrance just in time for the opening festivities leading up to the 151st Run for the Roses. That too with a special honor!

Dressed in classic Derby elegance—with a touch of modern flair, of course—Olivia wasn’t just there to pose for photos. She held the prestigious honor of delivering the official “Riders Up!” command at the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, the iconic race spotlighting the top three-year-old fillies in the country. But fans couldn’t help but notice: her boyfriend, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes, was nowhere to be seen. Still….Olivia wasn’t riding solo.

In a lighthearted interview with Access Hollywood’s digital correspondent Lauren Herbert, she shared a glimpse into her weekend plans—when she was asked with whom will she ‘mingle’, Livvy dropped a name that lit up the fashion and music worlds alike. “I’m just excited to see all my friends. I know that Xandra will be here—she’s DJing later,” Dunne revealed with a smile.

Yes, that’s rising DJ and digital, ‘It Girl’ in her own right. But their bond goes beyond music or the Derby afterparty. “We both did Sports Illustrated together last year, and we’re doing it together this year as well,” Olivia said, hinting at the growing camaraderie between the two SI stunners. However, speaking about MLB attendance, Club SI has also updated about bringing Jayson Werth to the Kentucky Derby. And on May 3, there will be another face, someone with whom Livvy shared the gym in the past. 

On May 3, as Churchill Downs gears up for the 151st Kentucky Derby, Simone Biles will step into the spotlight alongside fellow gymnastics sensation Olivia Dunne to deliver the iconic “Riders Up!” command before the most prestigious race of the weekend. So, two queens of the sport, side by side, commanding tradition with poise and power? It’s the crossover moment we didn’t know we needed.

However, speaking about crossover, Dunne hasn’t stopped supporting Paul Skenes on the field. 

Olivia Dunne shows up on Paul Skenes’ big day 

On May 1, Olivia Dunne was spotted at PNC Park as the Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the Chicago Cubs—a game that, unfortunately for Skenes, turned into a career-first for all the wrong reasons. In a rare off-night, the reigning 2024 National League Rookie of the Year gave up three home runs in a single inning, marking the first time in his MLB career he’s allowed that many in one start.

Even more eye-popping? The Cubs went yard more times (three) than Skenes struck batters out (two)—an almost unthinkable stat for the flame-throwing right-hander who’s built his rep on overpowering hitters. However, despite the tough outing, the numbers across his last seven games still showcase just how lethal Skenes can be. He’s racked up 41 strikeouts while giving up 13 home runs—a ratio that still keeps him among the most feared young arms in the league. The dominance of last season hasn’t fully returned yet, but the flashes are there, and the climb is far from over.

Through it all, Livvy has been a constant, showing up and supporting Paul whether it’s a near no-hitter or a night to forget. And that says everything. While Skenes regroups and eyes his next outing, Dunne is off delivering “Riders Up!” at the Kentucky Oaks, showing that this power couple knows how to balance life in the spotlight with equal parts loyalty and star power.