D'Arcy Maine

Oct 30, 2026, 10:04 AM ET

JUST HOURS AFTER arriving back in the United States after her triumphant showing at the world championships, Skye Blakely was in the University of Florida dining hall on Tuesday morning.

It was her first stop back on campus -- even world champions have to eat, after all -- and she quickly found herself surrounded by well-wishers. Several of her Gators teammates rushed to hug and congratulate her, as did athletes from other sports. The attention still hasn't slowed down.

In the days since, Blakely, 21, has been stopped by classmates, passers-by and even some of her professors around the Gainesville campus. Even if she's never spoken to them before, they all share a similar sentiment: They know how much she's overcome and they are so proud of her.

After her Olympic dreams were derailed in 2021 and 2024 due to injuries, including a torn Achilles at trials two years ago, Blakely has fought tirelessly to return to elite competition.…