Day One of Olympic Trials Results in Multiple Gymnast Injuries
On June 28, day one of the Olympic Trials, gymnasts were injured, leaving viewers shaken and wondering who would make it to the Paris Olympics.
Day one of the Olympic Trials in Minnesota rattled fans as injuries took several gymnasts out of the competition. Skye Blakely, Shilese Jones, and Kayla DiCello were on the pathway to the 2024 Olympic Games. Unfortunately, all three athletes suffered severe injuries that ended their Paris dreams.
Skye Blakely injured herself during podium training while performing a double layout pass on the floor exercise. Viewers were heartbroken as she was carried out with a ruptured Achilles. After withdrawing from the competition, Blakely appeared in a cast and crutches on day one of the trials. Heartwarming fans left her in tears as they rose to their feet, giving a standing ovation and cheering her on with love and support.
The athlete posted on Instagram, “This is not the way I saw my olympic trials going or how my season ends.” Adding, “I’m devastated and heartbroken but I believe everything happens for a reason.”
While warming up on the vault, Shilese Jones landed short, quickly cradling her knee. She received medical attention and returned to the arena, attempting a vault once more but balking. Jones trudged through the pain and competed in her best event, the uneven bars. Performing a slightly easier routine, the athlete scored the highest on the night, 14.675. She landed her dismount and limped off the mat, announcing her withdrawal from the competition.
Shilese Jones will not continue on at the #USOlympicTrials, the sport's national governing body said on Saturday, after she received medical attention for a vault gone wrong during warmups on Friday. pic.twitter.com/8kH3KFpDCj
— Alkass Digital (@alkass_digital) June 30, 2024
Kayla DiCello was the first to compete on the vault, expecting to perform a double-twisting layout. However, she tucked and landed, rolling to her back. The gymnast immediately shook her head in concern to her coach and wheeled out to seek medical attention. They soon announced that she withdrew from the trials due to a ruptured Achilles.
DiCello posted on social media, “While this is not the result I envisioned, there’s so much to be proud of.” Additionally, “Years of tireless work and dedication in the gym with the dream of representing my country once more at the Olympic Games. Pushing myself to go after new skills, new dreams.”
Noooo we pray for her in her recovery hopefully too she her in the 2028 Olympic
— Christie (@cvcarza) June 29, 2024
Suni Lee teared up as she watched DiCello, her close friend, wheel out of the arena. Up next on the vault, Lee performed a shaky routine. She could not hold back her tears as she walked off the mat, quickly comforted by her teammates.
As the night progressed, many gymnasts made historical saves on the balance beam. Simone Biles received the highest score of the night on the vault, 15.975. In hopes of catching the eyes of the selection committee, Lee upgraded her uneven bars routine, scoring 14.400.
Day one was filled with off-set performances, leaving Biles in first, with Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Jade Carey shortly behind. Fans were hopeful that day two of the trials would go smoother for the hardworking athletes.
