MyKayla Skinner Will Compete For Spot On 2020 Olympic Team
Apr 25, 2019, 11:54 AM | Updated: Apr 26, 2019, 5:32 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The most decorated athlete in Utah gymnastics history, MyKayla Skinner, announced that she plans to explore a spot on the USA gymnastics team for the 2020 Olympics.
She will be away from her college squad while exploring her Olympic aspirations and could miss her senior year with the Red Rocks if she makes the Olympic team.
If it doesn’t happen for Skinner, the option is open to return to competing in the college ranks.
Here’s what Red Rock @MSkinner2016 has to say about her decision to pursue an Olympic berth! #GoUtes pic.twitter.com/UmQ6DrUqVf
— Utah Gymnastics (@UtahGymnastics) April 25, 2019
“I love competing for the University of Utah and am so grateful to my coaches, teammates and the 15,000 fans who come and support us every (home) meet,” said Skinner in a press release. “In my three years at Utah, I have grown and matured as a gymnast, made improvements to my form and refined my technique. While I love college gymnastics, I’d like to try and compete for my country. I see the opportunity to pursue an Olympic berth as a chance of a lifetime. If things don’t work out for whatever the reason, I plan to return to the University of Utah for my senior year.”
Skinner has won two NCAA championships, one for the floor event in 2017 and another in the vault in 2018. She was the runner-up in the all-around in both 2017 and 2018. This season ended in a bit of disappointment, but Skinner still placed in the top seven in vault, bars, floor and all-around.
Farden Wishes Skinner Well, Keeping Open Roster Spot
In pursuing her Olympic dreams, Skinner has the full support of her team and coaches at Utah.
“MyKayla is a world-class gymnast and we are supportive of her desire to test the waters of resuming her international career,” said Utah head coach Tom Farden. “We are keeping a roster spot open for MyKayla should she wish to come back this fall. Obviously, we would love to have her back for her senior season.”
Skinner’s road to the Olympics in 2020 will begin with her participation in the National Team Camp in June.
The 2020 Olympic Summer Games are scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan.
