The United States is down a medal contender after Skye Blakely ruptured her Achilles during practice this week for the upcoming Olympic Gymnastic Trials.
USA Gymnastics confirmed the heart-breaking news, sharing on social media: “During Podium Training on Wednesday, Skye Blakely sustained a right Achilles injury and will be unable to compete in Olympic Trials. We are cheering for Skye in her recovery!”
It was a nightmare repeat for Blakely. She also had to withdraw from the Trials for Tokyo in 2021 after she injured her elbow during warmups.
The U.S. women’s gymnastics team, led by Simone Biles, should be a powerhouse when the competition begins next month in Paris. They’ll be wanting to win back the gold medal in the team competition after losing it to the Russians three years ago in Tokyo. They won it all in 2012 and 2016 after earning it for the first time in 1996.
At the U.S Gymnastics Championships last month in Fort Worth, Tx, Blakely finished second to Biles, a fellow Texan, in the all-around competition. Most observers believed the Florida Gator gymnastics signee was a near lock for one of the five Olympics spots. The gymnast posted her sad injury news to her Instagram:
“This is not the way I saw my Olympic trials going or how my season ends,” Blakely wrote. “I’m devastated and heartbroken, but I believe everything happens for a reason. I was so close to reaching my dream but this injury was unavoidable.
“I had an amazing season that I am extremely grateful for. The plans we have for ourselves aren’t always the plans God has for us. I’m going to keep my chin high and be proud of the statement I have made for myself these past couple years. I’ll be back.”
Skye Blakely helped US win two team titles at world championship
Blakely had never competed at the Olympics, but she still had valuable international experience. She was part of the U.S. team that won gold at the last two world championships. Plus, she also qualified for the finals on the balance beam both years.
In Fort Worth, she also fared well outside the all-round, finishing second on the vault and third on the uneven bars and balance beam.
Her dream for the Paris Olympics died on the floor exercise. She was working on a double layout Wednesday when she suffered the injury. She put her face in her hands as medical staff wheeled her out of the arena.
With Blakely out, 15 women will compete for five spots on the Olympics team. The winner of the all-around earns the automatic spot. A committee will select the other four, plus four alternates.
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