Skye Blakely, the national runner-up in gymnastics, will not compete in the U.S. Olympic trials set to begin Thursday after tearing her Achilles during training.
Skye Blakely, the national runner-up in gymnastics, will not compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials and will miss the Paris Olympics.
USA Gymnastics announced Thursday morning that Blakely "sustained a right Achilles injury and will be unable to compete in Olympic Trials" in a tweet Thursday morning.
Thursday afternoon, Blakely, 19, posted on Instagram that she ruptured her Achilles during podium training and is extremely grateful for the season she had heading into the Olympic Trials.
"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."
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Blakely, The Associated Press reported, was going through her floor exercise routine inside Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday when her right leg gave way during a tumbling pass. She was in tears as she was helped off the podium and placed in a wheelchair to be evaluated.
Blakely, who trains at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) in Frisco, was a member of the last two world championships teams that won gold and has continued to improve her ranking. She finished second behind seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles.
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WOGA gymnastics posted to Instagram soon after Blakely regarding the news writing in part, "Our hearts are with Skye, her family, and her coaches during this difficult time. We are so incredibly proud of her and all her accomplishments. She is an outstanding athlete who exemplifies excellence and a great role model for others. We know she will be back stronger than ever!"
Before Wednesday, Blakely was considered a serious contender for the U.S. five-woman team.
Blakely told NBC 5 in March that she was ready for a comeback after tearing a ligament in her elbow at the 2021 Olympic Trials. Blakely said recently she went to a “dark place” mentally in the aftermath and credited a mental health professional for helping her move forward.
The women’s preliminary rotations are set to start on Friday.
USA Gymnastics will announce the five-women headed to the Paris Olympics Sunday, following two days of competition.
