Few gymnasts can be compared to Simone Biles’ level of skill. But Shilese Jones has always been a strong competitor. Jones has performed admirably at the just concluded Core Hydration Classic, sitting just behind Simone Biles. But her unexpected absence from international competitions has sparked concerns. The 2023 gold medallist, however, was not present at the first National Training Camp of 2024. Now her coach Sarah Korngold has offered some much-needed background with an insightful tweet.

Sarah highlighted that long flights to international tournaments presented serious difficulties. “There was no pressure, but there was opportunity. The World Cups were very lengthy flights for us. 32 hours one way. Add customs, travel to and from the airport that’s about 40 hours of travel ONE WAY!” she tweeted. The long journey time can be tiring and disturbing, which affects the recuperation and athletic performance. That is not all.

The coach added, “so 80 hours of travel total. 4 days of lost teaming, sitting in a plane. We would only do bars and maybe beam, but we would either have to not train the others while we were there, or, train without soft surfaces, which wasn’t our training plan for that time of years.” Given the added strain of traveling, it seems that Shilese Jones decided to put her health and performance above participating in certain foreign events. But shone exceptionally on the home ground.

Jones’ all-around score of 57.65 put her in second place at the Core Hydration, just behind Biles’ 59.5. On the uneven bars, Jones also performed exceptionally well, topping Biles with a score of 15.25, as opposed to 14.55. The highlight of her dynamic uneven bars routine was a new-for-her laidout Jaeger release element. But, Jones was spectacular across all other routines.

She trailed only Biles’ 15.6 with 14.0 on the floor exercise and 14.35 on the vault. Jones finished fourth on the balancing beam with a score of 14.05, just behind Konnor McClain. Her competitiveness emerges from these results, as she constantly challenges Biles’ lead. Shilese Jones strengthened her spot as Team USA’s second-strongest competitor, behind Simone Biles. If Biles is certain of succeeding in Paris, Jones will be close behind her. Notably, this was her first competition since the 2023 World Championships in Antwerp, Belgium. And she shone in that event as well.

In the all-around final Shilese was a part of a historic occasion. It was the first time that the World Championships arena witnessed an all-black podium. Alongside Simone Biles (58.399) and Rebeca Andrade (56.766), Shilese stood to claim bronze (56.332). But what does she think about the GOAT?

Shilese Jones’ quest to touch the GOAT 

After the World Championships, Shilese opened up about what it means to be competing alongside Simone Biles. More that rivalry, her words exuded reverence for Simone. Shilese thought that “just to have her back and compete with her on the world stage meant so much.” She could not stop from calling Simone the GOAT openly.

“Honestly, she is so inspiring. You know, to have someone older in the gymnastics community and to go out there and hit routine after routine meant so much. Honestly, to have The GOAT out there, as she calls herself, is just unreal to be up there on the podium with her,” Shilese had said on that occasion. Notably, they have been associated to each other even before the 2023 world championships.

In 2021 Shilese has been a part of Simone’s Gold over America tour. “I am thrilled and grateful to be part of Gold Over America and to help elevate women’s gymnastics with my dear friend Simone,” Shilese had said about being associated with the event. With all that in mind, now it is the time for the grander battle at Paris. And Shilese will once again get the chance to elevate herself beside the GOAT. How is she approaching that journey?

Korngold, her coach, is amazed by her improvement stating, “This journey is all hers, and so is her gymnastics,” She continued, “She’s unstoppable. It’s truly amazing to see someone take full control and truly own their sport. Shilese is doing this entirely for herself, and it’s been incredible to witness.” Shilese indeed has grand plans and she makes no bones about that.

“I’m not here to peak yet…I’m going on that same training plan from here to trials and trying to work my way up. I have some big goals… I’m a super strong person [and] I’m in this for a reason,” Shilese had said before the Core Hydration Classic. We all wait to witness that peak which might once again lift her on the same pedestal as Simone Biles.