Leading up to the 2025 Artistic World Championships, Florida Gators Leanne Wong and Skye Blakely prepare to face the world’s best in Jakarta, Indonesia.
With half of the team’s members hailing from Florida’s program, the Gators’ strong presence on the team not only reflects individual excellence but also displays the program’s dominance. The team continues to produce athletes that excel on both a collegiate and international level, solidifying itself with a premier reputation and as a great destination for top-tier athletes.
For sophomore Skye Blakely, this is more than just a tournament; it is her first competition back after an injury to her Achilles tendon, which prohibited her from one of the most promising moments in her career: the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Now fully recovered, Blakely is excited to jump back in for a triumphant return.
“I feel like it means a lot to me, knowing what I’ve been through [and] what last year looked like,” Blakely said. “Just kind of proving to myself that I still got it, I still can do gymnastics, and I can still be successful after such a big injury. Sometimes it can be a little uncertain of how you’re going to return, so to come back and to make my third World Championships team after that, it just means a lot to me.”
The Gators’ participation in this elite tournament adds more anticipation to their upcoming season. Coming off a strong 2024-25 season in which the Gators finished fourth on a national scale, Florida gymnastics is packed with even higher expectations.
Currently ranked third in the NCAA’s preseason poll, trailing only Oklahoma and LSU, the Gators will start their season with global experience. The roster is comprised of a dynamic mix, filled with a blend of All-American stars and promising newcomers that raise the potential of the team. With momentum coming from every angle, the Gators will commence their collegiate dominance.
While Wong wrapped up her time at Florida last year, Blakely will return as a seasoned leader for the Gators alongside other team standouts Kayla DiCello and UCLA transfer Selena Harris-Miranda. Adding to its stars, Florida presents a strong freshman class featuring newcomers Jayla Booker, Amelia Disidore, Maddy Dorbin and Jocelyn Sasson.
With this combination of international experience, NCAA success and rising talent, Florida will be a powerhouse to reckon with and in a prime position for a championship run. The program’s successful culture, on top of international competition, reinforces the Gators’ chance for a title — giving them a competitive edge over other top teams.
“We really emphasize allowing each athlete to be their true selves and really accomplish any goals that they have,” associate head coach Owen said on Wednesday. “We are willing to do anything and everything we can to help them along that path.“
As Wong and Blakely gear up to compete in Jakarta, their performance will paint a picture of what is to come back home. Starting January 9th, the Gators will start their 2025-26 season at home in a quad meet against UNC Tarheels, Temple Owls and West Virginia Mountaineers — a strong start for a team defined by its perseverance in what will hopefully be a very successful season.
“Life isn’t easy, this career isn’t easy, but I always find a way to get back to where I want to be,” Blakely said. “If I set my mind on something, I believe that I can get it.“
