Olympic gymnastics involves elements that are laden with risks. Successful executions of moves like the double layout, double pike vault, and other complex routines can make an athlete a global superstar. On the flip side, a small faulty contortion, one wrong landing, can result in serious injuries, and in extreme cases, can end careers. 19-year-old high-flying Skye Blakely had seen her Paris Olympics 2024 dreams shattered after suffering an Achilles tendon injury during podium training on June 26, 2024, one day before the start of the Olympic trials.

The Achilles tendon injury occurred during a floor exercise routine in podium training, causing her to leave the arena in a wheelchair. She underwent surgery a week later. Recovery and rehab from the injury meant people were iffy about her being ready for Florida Gators’ NCAA season opener. However, the unstoppable youngster surprised everyone by making her NCAA debut in the Quad Meet win against Michigan State, Northern Illinois, and Nebraska on January 10. And she didn’t just show up—she made her mark.

The Youngster was so driven to make the comeback

Getting a 9.725 on the uneven bars, Skye Blakely took on X to celebrate her debut and acknowledge the persevering journey of the last 6 months. The Texan herself wasn’t sure of being ready for the opener until a few weeks ago. Speaking to the senior writer for the Florida Gators, Scott Carter, Skye said, “I was proud of myself. I’ve worked extremely hard to get here. The recovery and PT are not easy. I’ve definitely been encouraged by my teammates and coaches. Sitting there, just knowing that I did it, and I made it back, and I was able to come back to gymnastics again…”

Her Gators coach, Jenny Rowland, told Carter she had ‘zero doubt’ about Skye’s surprisingly early return: “As soon as she stepped into the gym, you could tell she was on a mission, and she was going to do everything she could to get back to where she wanted to be.”

Skye also had support from her elder sister, Sloane, who also happens to be her teammate on the Florida team. The 2022 World Championship team gold winner said, “She just reminded me to be myself and how hard I’ve been working in the gym for this moment … I love being able to cheer for her and that she’s there for me. Something I’ve been looking for.”

However, while celebrating the accomplishment, people around Skye should make sure they keep their feet on the ground and not get carried away. The team should tread carefully to make sure she heals completely. This is her second serious injury over her still nascent but bright career. After all, even the brightest stars can struggle to break through the clouds.

Luck keeps stalling Skye’s Olympics dreams

Skye Blakely was one of the favorites to make it to the Paris Olympic team before her injury. Approximately six weeks before the Olympic trials, she had come second in the U.S. Championships, finishing behind the legendary Simone Biles. Blakely was even part of the US team that won the 2022 and 2023 World Championship gold. Armed with her Cheng vault, she was ready to go to Paris and announce herself to the World. But destiny had other ideas.

In fact, this was not the first time her Olympic dreams had been dashed. In 2021, the then 16-year-old was in contention to make it to the US Tokyo Olympics team before an elbow injury during training ahead of the Olympic trials derailed her journey. The recovery involved surgery as Blakely was distraught by the cruelty of fate.

Nevertheless, the 19-year-old Gator is back. She is a fighter, and her sights are set on the 2028 Olympics. She knows what she’s capable of, and she intends to show the world that.