Skye Blakely Headlines Gators in 2026 U.S. Gymnastics Championships
During the NCAA offseason, Florida junior Skye Blakely continues to strengthen her standing in elite gymnastics as she attempts to make her fourth straight World Championships team.
Taking another step in her recovery, Blakely confirmed she will compete all four events at the 2026 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Phoenix for the first time since rupturing her Achilles at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. She won the bars and beam events at the U.S. Classic on July 18, scoring a 14.1 and 14.25, respectively, and looks for a repeat performance Friday and Sunday with a selection to the 2026 U.S. Senior National Team and October’s World Championships in reach.
“It’s been a blast even just doing bars and beam, but to be back on everything again, I just feel truly free and released from some of the past,” Blakely said.
Blakely’s injury took her out of contention for the Olympic team a second time in 2021, hurting her elbow at trials, and also limited her to bars during freshman season in 2025 before she made a full comeback in 2026.
But Blakely sees her recovery, which she describes as “slow and mindful,” and her performance in the U.S. Classic as something that gives her confidence as she continues her pursuit in elite gymnastics, along with helping the Gators finish in third place at the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championship Final on April 18 under coach Jenny Rowland.
“I’d say college has helped a lot with my confidence, and Jenny has played a really huge role in that and just reminding me to be confident in myself starting even on beam,” Blakely said. “I feel like college has taught me a lot about myself and to be more aware of my emotions, my nerves and how I handle things, so I feel like my confidence is definitely building back and probably even better than before.”
Tackling a challenge outside the NCAA, Rowland spent the summer working overtime to prepare for the U.S. Gymnastics Championships. In addition to working with Blakely, she worked with former Gators gymnast Leanne Wong, who withdrew Wednesday after suffering a hyperextended knee Tuesday.
Rowland also emphasized the excitement of seeing the future Gators – Simone Rose, Dulcy Caylor and Jayla Hang – at these elite events, cheering the signees on from afar.
“Being able to be there, show a smile, give a hug I think means a lot to both of us or to all of us,” Rowland said. “They feel that support, and they know that the University of Florida is really behind them.”
Rose and Caylor competed at the U.S. Classic, while Hang will compete after making a comeback following two wrist surgeries. She will reportedly defer her enrollment to compete for a selection to the 2028 Olympic team.
“It’s something that we have had continuous discussion about with them throughout their entire recruiting career and gymnastics career,” Rowland said. “Really just want to do everything that we can to support their journey because we understand everybody’s journey is a little bit different.”
While winning is not her main focus, Blakely’s biggest competition for the all-around competition title is 2021 Olympic floor champion Jade Carey, who finished second at the U.S. Classic behind LSU commit Reese Esponda. 2024 Olympian Hezly Rivera also makes her return to the floor after an injury sidelined her during the 2026 Senior Pan American Championships in June.
With Wong out of contention, Blakely is the top name for the Gators.
“She has come such a long way, and I’m just ecstatic to see her shine out on the floor this next week,” Rowland said.
Category: Gator Sports, Gators Gymnastics
