Amidst Danger of Paris Olympics Spot, Shilese Jones Breaks Silence on US Gymnastics Trials Finals Appearance

Finally, Shilese Jones’ fans can breathe a sigh of relief as the gymnast shared an update on her injury on Day 1 of the US Olympic Trials. While the first day of the trials was not the best for most gymnasts, for Jones, it was particularly tough with the unwanted trouble. Jones had suffered an injury after executing a double-twisting Yurchenko during a warmup vault 15 minutes ahead of the ongoing US Olympic Gymnastics Trials’ start. On Day 1 of the trials, besides the vault, Jones competed on uneven bars where she posted a score of 14.675.

However, she later withdrew from balance beam and floor exercises, exiting the area for immediate medical attention. The entire gymnastics community was heartbroken to see her in pain and speculated that she might not be able to make it for the rest of the trials. However, a recent update cleared all the doubts as, despite the injury, Jones is not looking to end her Paris Olympics dream.

In the recent Instagram story via her sponsor Sylvia Team Wear, Jones said, “I wish I could meet you all today, but my main focus at the moment is coming back as strong as possible tomorrow.” She further added, “I am looking forward to hearing you all in the stands on Sunday & knowing the Sylvia P team is behind me.”

In the past, too, mishaps have derailed Jones Olympic dreams. Ahead of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the gymnast broke her back and ankle after being hit during a car accident in January that same year. Though the artistic gymnast made speedy recovery and competed in the trials later in June, she finished tenth, missing one spot to make it to the main event. A shoulder injury had also forced her to pull out of the Xfinity Championships last month, before she petitioned to compete in the trials. “It’s a long-going injury. But it’s about playing the game smart,” she told Women’s Health, and added, “It still gives me a little bit of hard times, but I definitely am pushing through and making the right adjustments with my team to put my best foot forward.” 

Inspiring Shilese’ undying spirit is also her father, who passed away in 2021 after a long battle with kidney disease. “It was actually my dad. He was like, ‘I’m going to believe in you that you can go to 2024. That’s kind of when it clicked in, and I was like, ‘You know what, Dad? I can,'” she had said according to Women’s Health.

Heading into the trials, fans were already worried for Jones. However, coach Sarah Korngold had put the fans at ease the day before the qualifying event. With Jones, still competing, her chances of qualifying for the event remain high. And if she does qualify, boy, is she going to be a formidable opponent!

Shilese Jones beat Simone Biles, as per previous stats

Although Jones has been constantly challenged by injuries at various stages, the gymnast continues to thrive against all odds. In fact, the 21-year-old gymnast’s consistency even proved to be better than that of gymnastics GOAT Simone Biles. A Reddit post In May revealed that Jones had the highest percentage (92%) of making the Paris Olympics gymnastics team than the rest.

The post was backed by statements from USAG, which read, “Consistency – percentage of hit routines at any official international assignment or national event during the 2023-2024 competitive season and/or qualification events listed in 1.2.1 and 1.2.2. A hit routine is defined as a routine that does not include a very large deduction (as defined in the FIG Code of Points) on any single skill within the routine.” 

However, despite that, Jones finished second behind Simone Biles (59.500) at this year’s Core Hydration Classic posting 57.650. Despite the hurdles, the young and decorated gymnast had some of her best performances at recent national and world championships. With a disappointing trial start, Jones shall now hope to clinch the Paris Olympic berth in the remainder of the event.

UPDATE: Shilese Jones has withdrawn from the United States Olympic Trials, ending her chance to participate in the Paris Olympics.

Initially, there was speculation that Jones might return to competition on Sunday, potentially securing a spot on the Paris team. Her performance on the uneven bars was so impressive that some analysts believed she could have contributed significantly to the team’s overall score, even if she only competed in that single event. However, these hopes were dashed when USA Gymnastics released a statement on Saturday confirming Jones’ withdrawal from the competition, thereby concluding her pursuit of a position on the Olympic team headed to Paris.