Skye Blakely out of U.S. Olympic trials with Achilles injury

Two-time world team gold medallist Skye Blakely has withdrawn from the U.S. Olympic Team Trials for gymnastics, after suffering an achilles injury during Wednesday's (26 June) official practice.

USA Gymnastics announced the news on Twitter Thursday morning (27 June).

Women's competition is set to get underway on Friday (28 June) with the squad for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 announced on Sunday (30 June).

While Blakely is eligible to petition to the U.S. Olympic team by virtue of her second-place finish at the recent U.S. nationals, it appears unlikely that she would be healthy in time for the Games.

Blakely had been considered one of the very top contenders for the team. She's been on the last two U.S. teams for the World Championships, each of which easily claimed the gold medal. At her worlds debut in 2022, Blakely was an individual finalist on the balance beam.

Beam continued to be her stand out event, until the recent U.S. championships where an upgraded vault - a Cheng - rocketed her up the all-around standings. She finished second place behind only Simone Biles.

In Wednesday's practice, Blakely received medical attention after attempting a double layout on the floor exercise in the final half hour of the practice session. A tearful Blakely was later carried off the podium by staff, and she left the arena in a wheelchair.

Blakley is, unfortunately, no stranger to bad luck at the U.S. trials. Three years ago, she suffered an elbow injury in the final warm-up to the start of competition.