In a few hours, the U.S. Gymnastics Trials will commence at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Among several hopefuls, Skye Blakely was looking to make her debut at the coveted event. The two time world gold medalist had missed out on her first ever Summer Games in 2021 due to a catastrophic fall. This fall took place during her warm up on day 1. The traumatic experience left the young athlete heartbroken. But she persevered and went on to be clinch a silver at the 2022 Pan American Championships, and two golds at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, respectively. 

Having regained her confidence, she now had her sights set on Paris. But the Olympic Trials curse paid her yet another visit. Blakely suffered another gruesome injury during a practice session and was forced to withdraw from the trials. Fans have been shocked at how Skye Blakely’s Olympic run remains incomplete for a second time. What happened to the young gymnast at the Target Center?

Skye Blakely’s gruesome injury abruptly ends her Olympic run

16 gymnasts had made it through to the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials. Among veterans like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and Jordan Chiles, Skye Blakely was one favorite to make it to the team. This would’ve been her first trials. On Wednesday, USA Gymnastics broke several hearts by posting, “During Podium Training on Wednesday, Skye Blakely sustained a right Achilles injury and will be unable to compete in Olympic Trials. We are cheering for Skye in her recovery!” Blakely was close to chasing her Olympic dreams, but Paris seems unlikely for the talented gymnast at the moment.

The women’s competition is set to take place on June 28th. Skye Blakely walked into the gymnasium, confident as ever, and was doing fine until she moved on to the floor exercise. She attempted to do a double layout, but landed awkwardly on the mat, needing immediate medical attention. After realizing she had injured her Achilles, Blakely was bawling her eyes out. She was then seen leaving the arena in a wheelchair.

She suffered a similar fate during the 2021 Trials, where the then 15-year-old ended up injuring her left elbow. The injury was so brutal, Blakely had to go through several surgeries and underwent a seven-month long recovery period before making a triumphant return to the sport at the 2022 Winter Cup.

This devastating end to her Olympic dreams has fans yearning for the young athlete. Despite overcoming an equally painful fate back in 2021, many are worried about how this injury will affect Blakely. How did the fans react to the devastating news of her backing out from the Olympic Trials?

Crushed fans react to the heartbreaking withdrawal

Skye Blakely seemed more than prepared to take on the challenge of her first Olympic Trials before being forced to withdraw a day before it. Many fans were torn by the news and took to social media to voice their concerns. One fan said, “Nah this is the SECOND TIME she’s missed out on the Olympics bc of something like this,,,give her a medal at this point 😭😭” They wanted Blakely to be acknowledged for the valiant effort of going through two consecutive Olympic heartbreaks.

Another fan expressed, “Nooooooo :((( why I feel so bad for her she was suppose to be going to Paris in a month!” Blakely’s stellar performances leading up to the trials had many believe she would bring home an Olympic medal. One fan, having had enough, stated, “that’s it. we’re cancelling the olympics” Several fans couldn’t bear to watch yet another Summer Games without Blakely in it, and believed they should just skip to the next one already.

Another heartbroken fan hopefully expressed, “can’t believe this has happened again 😭 i hope she keeps going for the 2028 olympics, she’s so talented” Having the Summer Games at Blakely’s home turf could give the wounded athlete a much-needed advantage. One fan kept it short and sweet, “Can’t believe this so heartbreaking! Hoping for her speedy recovery!” With just a day to go for the women’s events, it is highly likely that Blakely would return to the mat. But fans just wanted her to rest up and nurse herself back despite the setback. 

With just 29 days left for the Paris Olympics, it’s highly unlikely fans will get to see Blakely return to the floor. But as the 19-year-old licks her wounds while she recovers, it’s safe to say we will see her come back stronger in the days that follow. Fans have been yearning to see Blakely on the Olympic stage, but are now forced to wait for 4 more years. Do you think Skye Blakely can still beat the odds and fight for a spot on the U.S. National team?