Together, the two are the result of some sort of human chemistry experiment, combining to create huge results for the Utah Utes.
Would Merrell-Giles be the gymnast she is without Skinner? It’s doubtful. Would Skinner get the big scores she consistently earns without Merrell-Giles setting her up? Probably not.
One thing is certain though, their combination has been tremendously successful for the two gymnasts, as well as the Utes.
They will share the competition floor for the last time this week when the Utes compete in the NCAA Championships in Ft. Worth.
The Utes knew the quality of gymnasts they were getting when they recruited the two, but had no idea how they would come to push each other.