"Absolute devastation";"So heartbroken for this incredible athlete"- Fans react as Skye Blakely pulls out of the U.S. Olympic trials due to injury

Skye Blakely pulled out of the U.S. Olympic gymnastics trials after suffering an injury during the podium training session at the Target Center in Minneapolis.

The American gymnast was slated to perform on June 28, 2024, in a quest for a spot in the U.S. Olympic Team for Paris.

Skye Blakely got injured during the podium training while attempting a double layout pass which led her taken off the field in a wheelchair as she was visibly struggling with pain. A couple of hours after the podium training, USA Gymnastics released a statement on their official social media handles.

" 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!," read the official statement.

This statement took the gymnastics world by storm and fans were gutted to hear the 19-year-old missed out on the opportunity to compete in the Olympic Trials. Blakely had withdrawn from the Tokyo Olympic trials as well, after being injured during the warm-up rounds of the event. Fans drew similarities between the two instances as took to X to express their opinion.

" Absolute devastation. A level of such that 99% of people cannot understand, myself included. To train your *entire life* for something, 8, 10, 12+ hours per day. To get to the point where it’s about to come true. And then it disappears in an instant. I cannot imagine. Positive vibes for Skye! ," wrote a fan.

" So heartbroken for this incredible athlete. Praying for you, Skye," wrote Laura Harris.

" Petition for Skye to skip the 2028 Olympic trials and get a spot on the team bc sheeeshhh.. two Olympic trials now??," wrote another fan.

Here are some more fan reactions:

" Poor Skye. Wishing for a speedy recovery, both mentally and physically," wrote another fan.

" I feel so bad for her. Wishing you a speedy recovery Skye,"another fan chimed in.

Skye Blakely releases an official statement

2022 Gymnastics World Championships - Day Nine

Skye Blakely released an official statement on X after deciding to withdraw from the U.S. Olympic Trials. She remained optimistic about her recovery and returning to the mat.

"Unfortunately I ruptured my achilles during podium training. this is not the way I saw my olympic trials going or how my season ends. I’m going to keep my chin high and be proud of the statement I have made for myself these past couple years. I’ll be back🤍 proverbs 3:5," she wrote.

Blakely will now undergo a recovery program for the ruptured Achilles tendon and hopes to make a stronger comeback in the next gymnastics season.