Skye Blakely shows off new combination on the uneven bars, days after heartbreaking withdrawal from U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials

Skye Blakely showed off a new manuevre on the uneven bars, days after missing out on the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 19-year-old sustained an Achilles tendon injury during official practice, ahead of the 2024 US Olympic trials, following which she underwent surgery to repair her Achilles rupture.

Blakely, the team gold medalist at the 2023 World Championships, started her year with success at the 2024 Winter Cup, winning the balance beam gold and silver in the all-around. In another Olympic build-up event, the US Championships, she finished behind Simone Biles in the all-around, second on the vault, and bronze in the balance beam and uneven bars.

Having earned qualification for the US Olympic trials, Blakely took the official practice mat on the previous day but faced a setback. In the session's final hour, she fell while attempting a double layout on the floor routine, thus leaving the podium in a wheelchair. Though she received immediate medical attention, the World medalist had to undergo surgery to address the injury.

On 10 October, the Texas native posted a story of a new skill combination on the uneven bars, merging mounts and twists.

"New combination" her caption read.

Skye Blakely executing a new skill combination on the uneven bars; Instagram - @skyeblakely

The gymnast was heartbroken after being forced to withdraw from the Olympic trials this year. She expressed disappointment over a premature exit from the season but confirmed her return after treatment.

"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," her X caption read.

Skye Blakely's effort earned the team golds to the US women's gymnastics team at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.

Skye Blakely returned to the balance beam eight weeks after her Achilles tendon surgery

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

On 31 August 2024, Blakely updated her fans about her return to the gymnastics mat, maneuvering on the balance beam but with low intensity.

"back on beam| 8 weeks post achilles rupture repair," her caption read.

The gymnast had a successful run at the 2022 Pan American Championships, where she clinched silver in the team competition, besides earning bronze in the all-around and floor exercise.

Skye Blakely hinted at her entry at the LA Olympics in 2028, and noted that competing at the marquee event in her home would be a 'big goal'.