Skye Blakely, an Olympic prospect in gymnastics from the United States, will not compete in the U.S. Olympic trials after sustaining a right Achilles injury on Wednesday in training.
Less than a day before the women’s trials get underway, on Thursday, USA Gymnastics announced the injury.
Blakely “landed short on a tumbling pass” during a floor workout and needed assistance getting off the ground; he eventually left in a wheelchair, according to the Washington Post.
USA Today reported that Blakely was “sobbing,” and US gymnastics official Chellsie Memmel hugged and approached her coaches. Her face was in her hands as she was wheeled out of the arena after having to be helped off the floor.
This may be disastrous for Blakely, who was hurt three years prior while preparing for the Olympic trials in an attempt to make the Tokyo squad. She was a 16-year-old who had only gained Olympic eligibility due to the Games’ postponement, and at the time, she was not one of the competitors anticipated to make the squad. She was the favorite going into the trials this time.
After rupturing an elbow ligament during the 2021 Olympic trials, Blakely informed NBC 5 in March that she was prepared for her return.
Blakely, who trained at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) in Frisco, competed for the United States in the 2022 and 2023 world championships and won gold medals. After seven Olympic medals won by Simone Biles, she came in second. She had made progress this season, especially when she debuted a challenging new vault at nationals.
Blakely is not permitted to petition to be considered for an Olympic roster place. Gymnasts with a score from nationals that would have put them first or second in the trials may petition under the selection rules if they place first or second in the all-around at nationals. Although Blakely would have fit that requirement, gymnasts can only use this option in the event of an illness or other “extenuating circumstance.” Petitioners claiming injury will not be granted their petitions, according to the protocols.