“My journey hasn’t been a simple one, and I’m still tackling obstacles as they come.” Unexpected challenges sidelined Shilese Jones in 2024. The leading Paris Olympics candidate first faced a flared-up shoulder injury after the Core Hydration Classic and later withdrew from the Xfinity National Championships. And then, had to bow out of the Olympic race due to an ACL and meniscus tear in the knee while warming up on vault at the U.S. trials. But this wasn’t the end of her miseries!

At the US Olympic trials in June 2024, Shilese Jones grabbed her knee after executing a double-twisting Yurchenko on the vault. Moments later, she was announced to the crowd, and USA Gymnastics said she would compete. But eventually, the six-time world medalist did not show up, having to miss out on the Paris chance. But she later announced, “I’m shifting focus to the future and my next chapter ahead – which is why I’m excited to announce you will see me on the road to LA 2028.” Guess she has been working hard to recover for that in time. No wonder she has just had another surgery.

Yes, as per an April 3rd Instagram post, Shilese Joned just underwent a second surgery related to the same injury that she sustained, the one that kept her away from Paris. In a post that looks like her post-surgery picture right from the hospital with a big bright smile, showing her tumbs up while lying down in bed, dressed in what looked like a hospital green-yellowish gown, she wrote, “2nd times the charm [sparkle emoji].” She also wrote, “Every scar is a testament to my resellience, a reminder of what I’ve overcome.” And she ended it with a simple, “One step closer to feeling my best.” Clearly, the second surgery seems to have added newfound confidence to her.

But, even without surgery, Shilese Jones was looking in good shape. She added a video of her trying the laid-out Jaeger on the uneven bars right before the surgery. And guess who nailed it? Well, Shilese Jones! She even captioned it, saying, “so i felt like trying this before i had surgery today. still got it baby,  haven’t done gymnastics or this skill since June. #10monthslater.” Well, for someone who is stepping on the apparatus after so long, she looked barely rusty. But guess getting back to the gym full power still remains forbidden. No wonder she also wrote, “Haha don’t tell my surgeon. just “Shi” things.”  

And naturally, everyone is elated about the fact that Shilese Jones is finally a lot closer to recovery now. Commenting on her post, Canadian Olympic gymnast Ellie Black wrote, “Cheering for you always!! Rest and recover well ❤️.” American gymnast Kayla DiCello also wrote, “praying for you🫶🏼” Whereas, fellow Team USA athlete, Ilona Maher from the rugby grounds wrote, “You got this!!” Well, Shilese Jones has some real supporters chiming in to wish her good luck on the recovery!

But what remains of utmost importance is the fact that Jones gets better before LA. It’s been two Olympic cycles since the U.S. gymnast has been pushing for that Olympic ticket. It’s high time she got that, given her amount of skill.

Shilese Jones’ LA Olympics hopes

“I’m devastated beyond words… 4 weeks ago, I was ripped away from the biggest dream of my career,” Shilese Jones had this to say after the Paris shocker. Because, well, yes, it was her dream. In 2020, Shilese Jones missed Tokyo for multiple reasons. Her father’s demise had shaken her up really badly.

Also, it began in 2021 when she experienced a serious car accident, forcing her to pause her Olympic aspirations at the Tokyo Olympics. Next, in 2022, right before the World Championships, she injured her shoulder while performing a release move on the bars, resulting in tears in her labrum. So yes, injuries and Olympic misses have been a sad reality for her.

But she is still not stopping. Later, in July 2024, when she announced her will to participate in LA, she wrote, “This pain is temporary, but the scars will only fuel me that much more as I continue to chase my dream.” So yes, Shilese is coming back, and she is coming in full form.