Ever since Marta and Bela Karolyi took the US gymnastics scene by storm, the sport has been viewed as highly competitive, often giving little consideration to the emotional realm. In the 90s and 00s, their training regime taught aspiring gymnasts to be emotionally tough. The emotional atmosphere has occasionally been highlighted by incidents such as Jordyn Wieber’s protest against Larry Nassar, the former national gymnastics team physician found guilty of inappropriate behavior, and Simone Biles‘ stance on mental health. Otherwise, the mainstream view of the competitive sport has remained distant. However, gymnast Skye Blakely considers herself fortunate in this aspect.

During her challenging moments, Skye Blakely has faced fewer emotional crises, thanks to her supportive family, especially her parents and elder sister, who have been her rock. Let’s get to know Skye Blakely’s family.

Meet Skye Blakely’s parents and gymnast sister

Almost every US gymnastics fan remembers a sobbing Skye Blakely at the Target Center in Minnesota last month, leaving the US Olympic gymnastics trials in a wheelchair. However, she returned to the venue with a happier face and crutches, despite her injured leg. What remained absent from the public eye was the emotional strength that brought her back to the same place to motivate her compatriots in a competition where she had appeared as a favorite. This resilience came from her parents, Stephanie and Steven Blakely, who taught her how to be strong. Skye Blakely’s elder sister, Sloane, has also significantly influenced her. Skye’s gymnastics journey has taken place under Sloane’s watchful eyes.

Since 2022, Sloane Blakely has been a regular member of the Florida Gators’ gymnastics lineup. Currently, in her junior year, she has made a name for herself by winning the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Additionally, she has received the Iron Gator Award, recognizing her conditioning and strength work. Skye Blakely is now part of the same lineup, serving her freshman year, although she signed up for the program in 2022. Due to her elite gymnastics schedule for the US team, she delayed her NCAA appearance. 

Despite this, she has continued to share gymnastics knowledge with Sloane. However, three years ago, the 19-year-old faced the ultimate heartbreak at the US Olympic gymnastics trials. She almost gave up on everything. Ultimately, Skye Blakely managed to recover mentally and physically, thanks to her parents’ support.

Blakely’s parents stood with her after the 2021 Olympic trial misfortune

Two different scenes, a similar occasion, a similar outcome, but two different reactions—the last two Olympic trials for Skye Blakely can be described in those words. This time, her Achilles injury during podium training at the US Olympic gymnastics trials demolished her dream of competing in the Paris Olympics. Three years ago, she tore her ulnar collateral ligament during the vault before the trial, which erased her chance to feature in the Tokyo Olympics. That opportunity had come by fortune, as the one-year delay in the trial made her eligible by age. But the injury dismantled her chance.

As a result, Skye Blakely started to fade into hopelessness. She described the situation: “I didn’t want to talk to anybody. Honestly, I kind of shut down after that meet.”In that crucial time, her parents were there for her. They stayed by her side during the surgery, and later, Skye Blakely’s mother, Stephanie, arranged for a mental coach to help her counter her mental demons.

The result has been nothing short of stunning. Skye Blakely found her mojo in back-to-back world championships. In 2022, her balance beam performance helped the US team win the gold medal. In 2023, she contributed with her uneven bars performance, helping the US team clinch the top podium again. Reflecting on her journey, Skye Blakely said, “I’d say in 2021, it was kind of a surprise, just not sure, just going to go with the flow. But now, I feel like I’m a little more determined this year.” That determination still exists, as despite missing the trials, she hopes to return to the Gators’ routines.