Ever heard of a gymnast who makes resilience look like a fun sport? Meet Shilese Jones. This passion was tested when she narrowly missed the U.S. Olympic team in 2021 and faced her father’s passing that same year. Despite these setbacks, Jone continues to thrive, driven by her love for the sport and her father’s enduring inspiration.

Born in Seattle, Washington, Jones’s journey is full of twists, turns, and unexpected leaps. Remember when she shocked the world with her silver medal at the 2022 World Championships? And then she did it again with a bronze in 2023, solidifying her status among the gymnastics elite. From overcoming personal challenges to dazzling on the global stage, Jones’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.

The early life of Shilese Jones in Seattle

Shilese Jones was born on July 26, 2002, in Seattle, Washington. From an early age, her athletic abilities never failed to astound people. She spent her childhood with her family; her father, Sylvester Jones, was a filmmaker and also owned a video production company. Her mother is Latrice Bryant; she also has a younger sister, Amari Jones, and an older sister, Naekayla Davis. Shilese relocated to Columbus, Ohio, to continue her gymnastics career.

Shilese’s father’s untimely passing in 2021 was a result of prolonged kidney disease. His passing was the biggest loss for the gymnastics star. Reflecting on the same, Shilese remarked, “My dad passing away and still having to carry on with my gymnastics goals has been my biggest obstacle.”

Despite this immense loss, she continued to grow and fulfill her father’s dream, using his memory as a source of strength. As a reminder she carries, she also has a tattoo on her back that reads, “Dad, your name echoes in my heartbeat.” Her father’s death only fueled her determination. Supported by her family, Shilese shines brightly, capturing the attention of coaches and peers alike.

Gymnastics career and current training location

In 2014, she moved from Seattle to Columbus, Ohio, to train at Buckeye Gymnastics with Gabby Douglas. “I remember watching the 2012 Olympics and thinking, ‘I want to be the next Gabby Douglas!’” said Shilese, as she reminisced. “All the girls on that Olympic team were so amazing and so unreal to watch. I couldn’t help but dream big enough to one day stand on that same podium.” This move set the stage for turning her dream into reality.

However, Shilese and her family decided to return to Seattle after her father died in 2021. This necessitated them to hire a new coach who knew how to mentor professional gymnasts. She soon met Sarah Korngold and Brett Wargo and started training with them at Ascend Gymnastics. Her comeback to the mat was a moment to remember.

She won silver and bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, respectively. She also competed in the 2024 Core Hydration Classic, earning second place behind Simone Biles. She also won the uneven bars event. “I love the sport of gymnastics. It’s a form of art to me. And I love creating. Also, I want to change the sport, grow it, and leave it in a completely different place than when I started,” she added. Keep an eye on this Seattle star—her journey is far from over.

Notable facts about Jones

During her gymnastics career, Jones has worked with some of the top gymnasts including Gabby Douglas. Her trip back to Seattle gave her more than just a chance to come home. It allowed her to find a new focus and gain support from her family after she lost her father. As she keeps moving forward in her sport, Shilese Jones continues to inspire gymnasts everywhere.