Red Rocks’ MyKayla Skinner Announces Retirement From College
Jul 3, 2021, 3:13 PM
Utah's MyKayla Skinner celebrates after competing on the floor against BYU at the Marriott Center in Provo on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah gymnastics star MyKayla Skinner announced her retirement from collegiate competition and her decision to forgo her senior season with the Utes.
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The Red Rocks announced Skinner’s decision on Saturday, July 3.
Skinner’s retirement from the NCAA comes only weeks before she will compete in the Tokyo Olympics as a member of Team USA.
“The Olympics this summer will mark my last gymnastics competition before I officially retire,” Skinner said in a statement. “I will miss being a part of Utah Gymnastics and competing in the Jon M. Huntsman Center. I have nothing but good things to say about Utah Gymnastics, from the organization, the athletes, the fans, to Coach Tom and the staff. I will return to finish my degree and graduate at the U, and will forever be a Red Rock. It is no secret we have the best fan base in the nation, and I am happy to now transition into being a part of it.”
During her time in Salt Lake City, Skinner was a two-time NCAA Champion. She was also a two-time all-around runner-up.
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She currently holds the NCAA record for consecutive routines without a fall (161) and a Utah school record with 26 All-America selections (13 NCAA, 13 regular season).
Skinner also explained her decision in a series of posts on Twitter.
Hey everyone! I am so excited to compete in Tokyo in just a few weeks and I’m grateful for all of your support.
I wanted to announce I will be going pro and not returning to compete in the NCAA. The Olympics will be my last gymnastics competition before I officially retire (1/5)— MyKayla Skinner (Harmer) (@mykaylaskinner) July 3, 2021
More importantly, I am not getting any younger and my body definitely needs a rest after this last comeback.
I have nothing but good things to say about Utah Gymnastics- the organization, the athletes, the fans, coach Tom and the staff. (3/5)— MyKayla Skinner (Harmer) (@mykaylaskinner) July 3, 2021
As one door closes, another opens, and I’m excited for what’s ahead. For now I am going to focus on bringing home a medal or two this summer for Team USA. I have a lot of hard work ahead and want to promise that the world has yet to see my best gymnastics.
Lots of love,
Myk 💕— MyKayla Skinner (Harmer) (@mykaylaskinner) July 3, 2021
“We are over the moon that MyKayla’s lifelong dream to become an Olympian came true,” Utah Gymnastics head coach Tom Farden said. “I have had several conversations with her regarding her future after the Olympics and I fully support her next chapter in life. We are grateful for the commitment she showed to our program and university, and her legacy will live on forever.”
Skinner ended her time with the Utes with 111 career victories. That mark ranks third all-time in Utah history.
She will compete in the Summer Games, which take place from July 23-August 8.
