Gabby Douglas has been known for her historic all-around victory at the 2012 London Olympics. But with 12 years down the lane, the scenario altered completely for her. She had to withdraw from the U.S. Championships, ultimately ending her quest for a spot on USA’s team for the Paris Olympics. Douglas sustained an injury during her training regimen and had to withdraw from the championships.

Moreover, Douglas’ last competitive appearance at the Core Hydration Classic in Hartford saw her struggling on the uneven bars, ultimately leading to her withdrawal from the event. Her journey back to the gymnastics arena at 28, after an eight-year-long hiatus, turned out to be extremely challenging. But after the personal loss, Douglas had to face another heartbreak as she had to witness her personal favorite 21-year-old phenom put a stop to her Paris dreams because of an injury. 

Shilese Jones succumbed to an unfortunate knee injury during the pre-event warm-up on the very first night of the trials. And Gabby, after ending her Paris quest, has been rooting for the 21-year-old. Douglas took to Instagram and expressed her heartfelt empathy for Shilese Jones. She shared a picture of her hugging Jones and wrote, “i’m completely heartbroken. @shicanfly no one deserved it more. i know you will come back stronger and greater. i am so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. sending you healing, warmth, and love.¡love you so so much. forever and always x gabby”

This has been the first time Gabby Douglas shared her thoughts on social media after announcing that she will not be continuing her quest for a ticket to Paris.

Gabby Douglas and Shilese Jones’ battle succumbs to fate

At the recent Core Hydration Classic, Jones underscored her elite status by finishing second, just behind gymnastics legend Simone Biles. It was the same event from which Douglas decided to, unfortunately, withdraw after facing challenges performing on uneven bars. However, Jones did wonders at the very same event and was waiting to grab her ticket to Paris at the U.S. Olympic Trials. 

Gabby Douglas made a comeback to the competitive realm after 8 long years of winning an Olympic medal. Although Douglas had to withdraw because of how the circumstances played out, she was the oldest woman in the country to even bid for a ticket to the Olympics since the 1950s. Exhibiting a similar grit, Shilese Jones too tried, till the last moment, to go against the major setback. 

Despite succumbing to the knee injury, Jones was not ready to give up so easily. She performed on uneven bars and pulled off a marvelous showdown. She was marked with a good high score of 14.675. However, this was a fleeting moment. On the second day, the news of her withdrawal because of the injury was made official. The same competitive spirit of not giving up to setbacks easily might be the reason why Douglas considers Jones to be the most deserving.