Skye Blakely Cries as She Receives Standing Ovation After Pulling Out of U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials Due to Injury

“I’m devastated and heartbroken but I believe everything happens for a reason ... I’ll be back,” Blakely told fans

Skye Blakely is feeling the support from fans after an injury foiled her Olympic dreams — and she’s vowing to “be back” to compete in the future.

The gymnastics star, 19, got emotional after returning to the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials stage on Friday, June 28, following her announcement that she would withdraw from the competition due to an achilles injury.

The USA Gymnastics (USAG) team shared photos from the special moment Blakely arrived at the Minneapolis trials clad in gray sweater, black athletic shorts and holding crutches. The gymnast could be seen giving a big wave to the crowd before the USAG mascot Flip gave her a hug.

The audience in the stadium could then be seen getting up from their seats as they gave Blakely a standing ovation, moving the gymnast to tears. Then, she held her hand to her heart before giving another wave.

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The appearance came one day after Blakely posted an emotional update on Instagram about the end of her current season after rupturing her right achilles and a promise that she would be back on the mat again.

"This is not the way I saw my olympic trials going or how my season ends,” she wrote. “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 continued. “The plans we have for ourselves aren’t always the plans God has for us. I’m going to keep my chin high and be proud of the statement I have made for myself these past couple years.”

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She concluded the message with, “I’ll be back🤍.”

The athlete later provided more insight into the injury on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying, “It was not the same achilles that had been giving me trouble.”

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“During the set of my double lay full, I felt my achilles tear,” she added. “Thank you for all the love that has been sent my way.”

The gymnast previously "tore a ligament in her elbow on the first day of the 2021 U.S. Olympic trials, forcing her out of the competition," according to ESPN.

Leading up to this year's trials, Blakely placed second in the all-around at the 2024 Winter Cup and came in second behind Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles at the national championships at the end of May. During that competition, she also came in second on the vault apparatus and third on uneven bars and balance beam and was named to the 2024 USA Gymnastics National Teams.

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