It could have been something memorable in this season of college gymnastics, a battle between two SEC titans. The gymnastics rivalry in Norman could have given hope to the fans betting for the champion this season. The result could have been a sign. However, in the end, the No. 5 Florida Gators lost the challenge to the No. 1 Oklahoma Sooners. The electronic scoreboard displayed Oklahoma 198.075- Florida 196.625. But many things didn’t show up on that scoreboard.

On February 21, the electronic scoreboard in the Sooners’ home arena failed to frame the blank expressions covering the Florida Gators camp after the match. It failed to get the meaning of Skye Blakely’s sobbing during the match. Well, no offense about that. But the gymnastics fans didn’t miss a bit of those turn of events. In the end, they expressed those emotions on social media. But what actually happened in the Friday night match? How did the Gators lose more than a match there?

Florida Gators continue to be haunted by injuries 

On Friday (February 21), for the first time in history, the Florida Gators met the Oklahoma Sooners as an SEC competitor. However, such a day could have ended with some memorable performances on the mat. Well, some eye-catching moves were certainly there, presented by both programs. But two fateful incidents marred everything on the mat. On the same day, the Instagram handle of Planet of Gymnastics shared an update about it. Per the update, Gators sophomore Anya Pilgrim fell on the uneven bars after slipping from it. She took her time to get up from the mat and finished her routine. The heavier blow came in Sloane Blakely’s turn. 

The Gators’ senior returned to the mat after regaining her health from a concussion injury sustained in practice. However, on Friday she stumbled. Why so? At the floor exercise event in the night, Sloane couldn’t control an underrated jump, and her lower leg bore the brunt. For a moment, everything became a standstill in the arena. Her younger sister, Skye, who had also been facing the fangs of injury, burst out crying. Meanwhile, Sloane couldn’t complete her routine and she hopped in the tunnel. Later, she appeared on the sidelines, depending on crutches. From there, she continued to cheer for the team. But the damage had already been done. 

Anya Pilgrim and Sloane Blakely’s absence on the mat forced the Gators to count low scores against the Sooners. Expectedly, that didn’t help the cause. Aside from these two, senior Riley McCusker and freshman Ly Bui fell on the balance beam. Fortunately, their fall didn’t turn out to be serious, but those impacted the scoreboard. Altogether, these unwanted happenings were enough to dent Florida’s chance in the match. But what about the fans? How did they make amends with what they saw in the Friday night match?

Gymnastics fans find it hard to forget the fateful incidents

The gymnastics fans sent their well wishes for Anya Pilgrim and Sloane Blakely. On Instagram, beneath Planet of Gymnastics’ post, plenty of such messages appeared. One such read, “Heartbreaking 💔 sending quick healing vibes to both of them!” Both gymnasts have proven themselves as the vital part of the setup. And now as the college gymnastics championship is moving toward the business end, their presence on the mat will be essential for Florida Gators. Only fans’ hearty gestures can pave the way for their speedy recovery. Meanwhile, another wish came in the comment box; someone penned, “😢😢😢 I hate this! Praying for a speedy and full recovery!” But what’s the hope for them to make a speedy recovery? 

No update has yet come about that. However, Sloane Blakely has very little chance of returning to the mat. The floor exercise specialist had returned from a break after her concussion. Now, she is again missing the mat. Someone noted this part. In the comment box, that fan wrote, “Absolutely devastated for sloane 😭.” But she is one of the Gators’ elites facing the wrath. There are a few more. Based on that, one fan commented, “Crazy how many FL elites get injured 🙃.” And what are those names? 

Sophomore Kayla DiCello (out for foot surgery), freshman Kaylee Bluffstone (out for back injury), and junior Skye Blakely (out for her Achilles injury but has yet to make a comeback). And now add Anya Pilgrim and Sloane Blakely. Enough names to make a distinct lineup, almost! Noticing such a fateful state for the Florida Gators, a fan commented, “So heartbreaking.” Things are in that state only. The ardent fans, however, will hope to see a better phase in the coming days.