“soon?? 🤭” That’s all Skye Blakely wrote on her July 17 Instagram post—just one word, one emoji, and a short clip. But it was more than enough to send the gymnastics world into a frenzy, racking up over 2,500 likes and a flood of excited comments. The video? Just a few seconds long—but it says a lot. Skye is seen back on the floor, training at the Gators’ gym. Yep, floor exercise. And that can only mean one thing: she’s getting healthy again. If you remember, Skye’s Olympic dream was crushed last year when she tore her Achilles during podium training, forcing her to pull out of the U.S. Olympic Trials. But 2025 is telling a different story. She’s already suited up for Florida this season, contributing on bars—but that was it. Still, if you know anything about Skye, you know she’s not just a one-event gymnast. And she’s been clear—she’s not done. She’s sticking with both college and elite gymnastics. So, what’s next? 

Injuries have definitely played a part in Skye Blakely’s gymnastics journey. Back in 2021, an elbow injury took her out of the Olympic Trials. But if there’s one thing Skye’s not doing, it’s giving up. Now 20, she’s ready to take another shot. In just a few weeks, she’s set to compete at the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships. And yep—this is the same meet where, last year, she chased Simone Biles for the all-around title and came away with silver, scoring 113.850. Not to mention, she matched Simone’s scores on vault and bars. So what now? Skye’s eyeing a comeback to elite gymnastics, and the Xfinity Championships are her launchpad. But after being out of the elite game for a while, the big question is—what’s her game plan? How does she shake off the rust and get back in the mix?

In a recent chat with Olympics.com, Skye Blakely laid out her comeback plan loud and clear:  “Just bars and beam. I think, for me, that’s just the best plan,” she said. And honestly, it makes sense. Last year, she was neck and neck with Simone Biles on those two events—so if you’re going to ease back in, why not lean into your strengths? But here’s the catch: focusing on just bars and beam means she won’t be in the running for the all-around title. Is that part of the plan? Apparently, yes. Skye was pretty upfront about it: “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.” So, does that mean no floor or vault for now?

Ah, so it’s not a total floor-and-vault shutdown for Skye. In fact, she said it herself: “I am still working on floor and vault a little bit.”  So yes, while it’s unlikely we’ll see her compete in those events this year, the door isn’t completely closed. And honestly, a lot has changed for her over the past thirteen months. From the heartbreak of missing Trials to slowly rebuilding, she’s still working her way back to full speed. The momentum’s not all there yet, but she’s grinding.

Just a few weeks back, Skye Blakely wasn’t able to compete at the U.S. Classic. But she didn’t let that stop her—she filed a petition to get into the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, and yep, it got approved. Now, she’s not just showing up—she’s showing up with a plan. And if there’s one thing about Skye, it’s that she doesn’t do anything halfway. In fact, she’s not just thinking about this meet. She’s got her eyes on the long game too. Trust her, Skye’s got a plan, and she’s playing it smart every step of the way.

Skye Blakely is set to return to the high road 

Skye Blakely didn’t face her rehab journey alone—and that made all the difference. Right by her side was Florida teammate Kayla DiCello, who, like Skye, tore her Achilles at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Going through the same painful, frustrating process together turned them into more than just teammates—they became each other’s lifelines. Having someone who got it, the setbacks, the small wins, the mental toll, made the rough days a little more bearable. And looking back, Skye knows just how close she was to living out her Olympic dream.

“Knowing that I was that close,” Skye said. In her interview with Inside Gymnastics, she opened up even more: “I don’t want to give up. It’s definitely taught me resilience and perseverance as well as knowing to push myself and not to give up, and knowing that I know how to navigate around obstacles of any sorts, injuries or things in the gym or out the gym, it’s just taught me so much, and I feel like it’s made me a stronger person.” Skye’s comeback isn’t just about routines and scores; it’s about grit, growth, and not letting go of the dream.