How would it feel when a mere sketch from childhood suddenly turns into reality? Amazing, right? That’s exactly how US gymnastic icon Shilese Jones feels right now. Missing out on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by a small margin didn’t leave the Seattle native devastated. She instantly pulled herself back up to set her sights strong on the Paris Olympics 2024. Now, her job doesn’t only encompass training religiously, but also inspiring youngsters along the course.

She’s currently training under Ascend Gymnastics, where she made a comeback in January 2022. Maybe, her new coaches Sarah Korngold and Brett Wargo were exactly in line with her goal, which goes like “I have so much to prove”. We got a taste of the US gymnast extraordinaire in 2023. But is there another Olympic aspirant walking in her footsteps?

Shilese Jones showers love on an Ascend 10-year-old

In her Instagram stories, we had a glimpse of a little girl slaying in her beam maneuver. She took a mid-air back flip and landed perfectly, capable of challenging promising gymnastic names. Donning a pretty pink leotard, the gymnast Brooklyn looked too skilled for a 10-year-old. Tagging Ascend Gymnastics in her story, she caught the attention of one of the decorated Ascend stars, Shilese Jones. The latter reshared the victorious moment in her Insta story with the caption, “So proud of you”. 

Having started landing clean cartwheels at age 4, Jones always considered gymnastics as an integral part of her life. “I wasn’t perfect, I wasn’t the cleanest, I would fall here and there, but I’m just like, this is fun. This is what I like to do, and I remember making a little sketch, like I’m going to go to the Olympics one day…” she had said in an interview last year. The aforementioned statement asserts that the 2023 World all-around bronze medalist had recognized her passion quite early in life. But ahead of her dream destination, is she feeling the adrenaline rush already?

Jones is girding up strong

Not many gymnasts get a second opportunity to make it to the Olympics roster. But considering her track record, we can assume that she’s already making her nation proud in the French capital. She had once said, “I haven’t taken a break since I started, so, I’ve been determined and working so hard, honestly throughout the year”. 

READ MORE: Late Father’s Words Stopped USA’s Paris Olympics Hope, Shilese Jones From Quitting Gymnastics: “It’s Not Over”

Further on, she said, “..it’d be an unreal experience. Honestly, I’m already blessed, a world championship, but I definitely I’m pushing for more”. After a long battle with kidney disease, Jones’ father breathed his last when his daughter’s career was all set to take flight. “..there’s no fear and you’re going to be just like dad” – chanting this mantra throughout her gymnastic year, Jones has simultaneously encouraged her fanbase to never lose hope.

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