"Getting back"- Skye Blakely attempts front flips months after Achilles tendon injury that led to her withdrawal from U.S Olympic Gymnastics Trials

Skye Blakely attempted the front flip amid low-intensity training, days after undergoing surgery to address her Achilles tendon injury. Blakely suffered the injury during podium training at the 2024 US Olympic trials, ending her Paris Olympic dreams.

Skye Blakely, a member of the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, was left heartbroken after the injury that compelled her to sit out of the Games for the second time. In an Instagram post on July 28, 2024, the 19-year-old expressed gratitude for her season but disappointment over her Olympic fate.

"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 devastated and heartbroken but I believe everything happens for a reason. I was so close to reaching my dream but this injury was unavoidable. I had an amazing season that I am extremely grateful for," she captioned.

Cut to December 14, 2024, the three-time Pan American Championships medalist attempted a front flip to show her progress in the gym. She took to her stories to share a video of her maneuver.

"getting back on my feet," the caption read.

Skye Blakely attempted flips at the gym after her Achilles tendon injury; Instagram - @skyeblakely

On August 31, 2024, days after Team USA's massive success at the Paris Games, Skye Blakely updated her fans about gracing the balance beam eight weeks after her Achilles tendon surgery.

back on beam🕺🏽✨| 8 weeks post achilles rupture repair," the 19-year-old captioned.

In the video, she clutched the balance beam for support while taking turns.

After making her senior debut at the 2021 Winter Cup, Blakely vied for her first Games appearance in Tokyo. However, her bid ended after she injured herself during vault warmups and missed both competition nights.

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Skye Blakely on how she felt closer to God while competing in gymnastics

Skye Blakely at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic - (Source: Getty)

Skye Blakely, who trains at the World Olympic Gymnastics Club, has competed in gymnastics since 2018. However, Blakely faced back-to-back setbacks at the Olympic trials, missing out on the Tokyo and Paris Games.

In an interview with Frisco Style in September 2024, the 19-year-old shared how her faith in God helped her to pull herself up despite the major setbacks.

"Being in this sport has allowed me to get closer to God and in my faith because you need a lot of faith in this sport. It is hard. There are so many ups and downs, but I put all my trust in Him and He's the reason for all my success."

Blakely also hinted at competing at the LA Olympics in 2028, referring to it as a 'big goal' of hers.