Skye Blakely is feeling the support of fans after injury derailed her Olympic dreams — and vows to “get back” into competition in the future.
The gymnastics star, 19, became emotional as she returned to the stage at the 2024 US Olympic Gymnastics Trials on Friday, June 28, after announcing she would be withdrawing from the competition due to an Achilles injury.
Team USA Gymnastics (USAG) shared photos of the special moment when Blakely arrived at tryouts in Minneapolis wearing a gray sweater, black athletic shorts and holding crutches. The gymnast could be seen giving a big wave to the crowd before USAG mascot Flip hugged her.
The stadium crowd could then be seen rising from their seats as they applauded Blakely, moving the gymnast to tears. She then held her hand over her heart before giving another wave.
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The appearance came a day after Blakely made an emotional announcement on Instagram about the end of her current season after rupturing her right Achilles and vowed to get back on the mat.
“This is not how I saw my Olympic trial or my season ending,” she wrote. “I’m devastated and heartbroken, but I believe everything happens for a reason.”
“I was so close to achieving my dream, but this injury was inevitable. I had an amazing season that I am extremely grateful for,” she continued. “The plans we have for ourselves are not always the plans God has for us. I will hold my chin high and be proud of the statement I have made for myself over the past few years.”
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Skye Blakely waves to the crowd on June 28, 2024.
Elsa/Getty
She concluded the message with “I’ll be back🤍.”
The athlete later provided more insight into the injury on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying: “It wasn’t the same Achilles that was giving me problems.”
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“During a set of my double layup, I felt my achilles tear,” she added. “Thank you for all the love you sent me.”
The gymnast previously “torn a ligament in her elbow on the first day of the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, knocking her out of competition,” according to ESPN.
Ahead of this year’s trials, Blakely was second in the all-around at the 2024 Winter Cup and was second behind Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles at the nationals in late May. During that competition, she also placed second on vault and third on bars and beam and was named to the 2024 USA Gymnastics Team.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education