Two-time world team gold medallist Skye Blakely will compete on the uneven bars and balance beam at the upcoming U.S. Gymnastics Championships, set for 7–10 August in New Orleans, Louisiana.
“Just bars and beam. I think, for me, that’s just the best plan,” she told Olympics.com in an exclusive interview. “I don’t think there’s any point in rushing back to all-around or the leg events. I’m able to safely and healthily do bars and beam, so I’m having fun pushing that and getting back all those skills that I was doing last year.
“I am still working on floor and vault a little bit,” she continued, “but I don’t think 2025 is the year to push those events.”
Just over thirteen months ago, Blakely was a favourite to make the U.S. squad for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 after an impressive runner-up finish to Simone Biles at the 2024 U.S. nationals.
But then, disaster struck. Blakely tore her Achilles tendon during practice ahead of the U.S. trials.
She’s been working her way back into competition, including every week of her freshman season with the University of Florida Gators squad, where she competed on bars, but elite competition has not been far from her mind.
Blakely has a positive outlook on the eve of her return to the U.S. Championships.
“I’m feeling good. I’m mainly just excited to be back,” she said. “Knowing it’s been a year, been through a lot, surgery, my foot’s gotten stronger. I’m happy to know that I’m at the skill level again to compete domestically.”
Stay tuned for more from Olympics.com’s interview with Blakely next week.