Gymnastics rarely plays favorites, but when luck’s bells ring, they ring loud—and it seems like Skye Blakely has heard them all. The 20-year-old’s fate felt sealed after tearing her Achilles in June 2024, yet with relentless hard work driving her, she returned to rewrite history. Her stunning performance at the Xfinity Championships wasn’t just a comeback; it was a statement that left fans in awe.

Back in the Olympic trials last year, during a podium training in Minneapolis, Skye Blakely’s Olympic dream was shattered when she ruptured her right Achilles tendon. The injury was deep enough that it forced her to withdraw from the competition, bringing her Paris hopes to a sudden halt. As she exited the arena on crutches, she promised herself an amazing comeback.

And ahead of the Xfinity Championships, Blakely shared that she’s ready to return and has her sights set on the 2028 Las Vegas Olympics. “I’ve paced myself not just for this year, but for going back into the Olympic year again in four years. I think bars and beams are the best plan… and everybody was just on the same page.” Putting the past behind her, Blakely set her sights on excelling at the championships, and she delivered.

At the U.S. Championships, Skye Blakely shone on the final day, posting the highest scores on uneven bars (14.35) and balance beam (14.40). She clinched the uneven bars crown—her first U.S. National title—tying with Hezly Rivera for the top spot. On the balance beam, she finished second, just behind Rivera, but still secured another title in the process.

Talking to the media on her Day 2, Blakely stated, “I like to get a little angry, almost. ‘Oh, you’re not going to play around, you’re gonna get up here & you’re going to hit this bar routine like you know you can.’ I have to remind myself, ‘You’re Skye Blakely.’ I feel like I did a great job doing that today.”

At first, the community was skeptical when she stated that she would compete at the championship, but now there’s nothing but praise for her.

Skye Blakely Xfinity Championship left fans awe-inspired

Her Paris Olympics dream might have been shattered due to her Achilles tendon injury, but Skye Blakely is certain that she will compete at the Las Vegas Olympics. Now, after witnessing her performance, a fan stated, “I’m so proud of Skye Blakely she deserves to go the La Olympics.”

Blakely’s balance beam performance was certainly one of the best in the event. Her total score at the end of day two stood at 27.85. But she was edged out by Hezly Rivera, who scored 28.35. But fans were certainly impressed by Blakely’s beam performance, “Skye Blakely beam.” 

Another added, “SKYE BLAKELY IS A NATIONAL CHAMPION.” Interestingly, Blakely wanted to participate in all of the events, “Originally, I was like, ‘Oh, I want to do all-around. I want to do this. I want to be back here,” said Blakely. However, she further changed her decision, “But then, it was really just taking a step back and looking at the big picture, that 2025 is not the main goal of what I want.” 

Some even speculated that Blakely’s performance might have assured her place in the women’s team for the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which is set to take place in Jakarta. “Can’t wait for the Skye Blakely to worlds announcement.”

Last but not least, another fan shared the same feeling, “See you in Jakarta, Skye Blakely. If anyone deserves a long injury-free run, it’s her.”

With her performance, Skye Blakely has certainly cemented her place at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. But the question is: Will she be able to maintain her form considering her injury? Share your thoughts…