Skye Blakely ‘shut down’ after the 2021 Olympic trials. A mental coach helped bring her back
Gymnast Skye Blakely says working on her mental health has helped put her in the mix for the 2024 Olympics
FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Skye Blakely didn't want to hear it. Just like most teenagers whenever their parents offer to help.
Stephanie and Steven Blakely approached their youngest daughter twice in the aftermath of the 2021 Olympic trials — a meet that ended with the 16-year-old's left elbow requiring surgery, ending any shot she had at making the five-woman U.S. team — and both times Skye respectfully blew them off.
“I didn't want to talk to anybody,” Blakely said. “Honestly, I kind of shut down after that meet.”
The pandemic-delayed 2020 Olympics unexpectedly had opened a door for the Dallas-area native. If they went on as originally scheduled, she would have been too young to qualify. When they were pushed back, she pushed to get ready and arrived at trials with a chance to make an impression on the selection committee.
