Skye Blakely, who is gearing up for a second Olympic shot, recently stunned her fans with her flawless execution of one of the most difficult and dangerous gymnastic moves ahead of the 2024 Xfinity Gymnastics Championships. After a heartbreaking miss during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the talented gymnast is determined to make her mark as she aims to punch her ticket to Paris.

After relentlessly training and honing her skills for the past four years, she is a strong contender for a spot on the US Olympic team. This was further highlighted when the 19-year-old showed off her skills increasing anticipation for the Fort Worth, Texas event starting May 30 to June 2.

Skye Blakely’s redemption arc takes flight with a daring Cheng Vault

During a recent podium training session, Blakely stunned audiences with the Cheng vault. US Gymnastics posted a video on their social media showcasing this incredible attempt and captioned it: “🚨 @skyeblakely Cheng Alert 🚨 #XfinityChamps.” The video ends with claps and cheers as the two-time World Champion nails her landing, smiling and high-fiving someone out of the frame.

The notoriously dangerous Cheng, a full-twisting vault named after Chinese gymnast Cheng Fei, is known for its high difficulty and risk. The Cheng, a move she’s known for perfecting, symbolizes her comeback narrative. Blakely’s perfect landing showcased her phenomenal athleticis, increasing the excitement as she prepares to share the stage with established gymnasts like Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey.

After Blakely’s performance at the 2020 Tokyo games, many had questioned whether she could overcome the mental hurdles and return to peak form. But, the latest training session videos seems to hae answered that question.

Cheng Vault perfection incites supportive reactions from fans

Blakely’s gravity-defying display didn’t go unnoticed by fans as they are ecstatic, with many convinced she will secure her spot in the U.S. Team heading to Paris. This was clear in her fans’ comments, “With no falls going forward and this vault, she’s going to Paris.” Another fan reiterated the same feeling, highlighting the impact Blakely’s performance has had: “Yes and yes. I am pulling for her to make the team. She is strong on bars, beam and now vault. She’s on my list for the team.” 

Appreciating her vault move, another fan cheered her with hopes of her making the girl squad proud on the global stage. “Hold on hold on. This Cheng is actually quite good?!?! Skyeeee we need you for Olympics. Pull through girlie, we love you! @skyeblakely“. 

Perfecting the Cheng vault indeed has increased hopes among her fans of her heading to the French capital. “@skyeblakely go pack your bags to paris” and “She’s bringing it!!!! 🔥🔥🔥” flood her social media. The sentiment is clear: Skye Blakley’s dedication and her successful execution of the Cheng Vault have captured the hearts of fans. 

Blakely’s journey to Paris is clearly far from over. The upcoming Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships will be a crucial test, but her recent performance has undoubtedly placed her back in the conversation. With her unwavering determination, powerful Cheng vault, and the support of her fans, Skye Blakely is a gymnast to watch out for.