After a triumphant showing at the world championships, Skye Blakely returned to the University of Florida dining hall on Tuesday morning, where she was quickly surrounded by well-wishers. Teammates and athletes from other sports rushed to hug and congratulate her, and the attention has continued in the days since, with classmates, passers-by and even professors stopping her around the Gainesville campus.
Blakely, 21, has overcome a great deal to reach this point. Her Olympic dreams were derailed in 2021 and 2024 by injuries, including a torn Achilles at trials two years ago. Last Friday, some 28 months after that rupture, she had the meet of her career. She took the lead in the all-around competition after strong routines on vault and uneven bars, and she had all but secured the world title before her floor score came in. She cried as she hugged her coach, Owen Field. "I was just overcome with emotion because I was so excited and just reflecting on how far I had come from injury, from emotional hardship," Blakely told ESPN.
With less than two years until the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Blakely, who also earned bronze medals on vault and uneven bars and a silver with the team, has become a key member of the U.S. team. First, she will focus on the upcoming NCAA season, aiming to help the Gators repeat as SEC champions and improve on their third-place finish at nationals. She returns to practice on Monday to begin work on her 2027 routines.
Blakely's inspiration dates to 2012, when she watched Gabby Douglas win Olympic all-around gold in London. "It really opened my mind, seeing her, someone who looked like me," Blakely said. Douglas's achievement became her dream too, and she now looks back on that goal with amazement.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing