‘Devastated Beyond Words’ Shilese Jones Announces Next Chapter in Life After Paris Olympics Setback: “Pain Is Temporary”

She fell. Dusted herself. And is now ready to step back up. Against all odds, Shilese Jones continues to rise. On Day 1 of the U.S. Olympic Trials, Target Center bore witness as Jones’ Olympic dream shattered like thin glass. While she was preparing to go all-in for the Paris ticket, a double-twisting Yurchenko execution injured her. She withdrew from the contest and eventually had to drop out of the race. But as of today, she is ready to fly again!

Yes, you read that right. As Team USA women battle it out in Paris, Jones, from back home, has just announced her mighty return. Taking to her Instagram, she has added a post, declaring that she will be back in action for the LA 2028 Olympics. A part of her caption reads, “I’m devastated beyond words… 4 weeks ago I was ripped away from the biggest dream of my career.” But the fighter in her is not ready to give up yet. Rising back from the ashes like a phoenix, she mentions, “Now I’m shifting focus to the future and my next chapter ahead – which is why I’m excited to announce you will see me on the road to LA 2028🫶🏽”.

As an example of her undying spirit as a sportsperson, Jones is ready to put this phase behind her. “This pain is temporary, but the scars will only fuel me that much more as I continue to chase my dream,” she says. Her ACL injury and her meniscus tear have caused her pain. But the competitive bars await her. And thus, she is ready to return. But not without thanking her coach, Sarah, and the fans for their overwhelming support.

Jones admits how her journey has been a tough one. This year itself, after the Xfinity Games, the horrors of her past injury returned. Her right shoulder suffered from a labrum tear, and she could barely raise her arm. But through it all, she had her coach by Sarah by her side.

Shilese Jones has coach Sarah helping her storm past the struggles

Jones’ coach, Sarah Korngold has been with her since fairly recently, 2022. But she continues to be a big support. Post her shoulder injury, Sarah mentioned how they have been gradually building back up into routines. And recently when things took an unexpected turn at Target Center, Sarah stepped in to applaud Jones for her spirit. “It wasn’t the weekend you dreamed of, worked for or deserved. You showed incredible maturity, sportsmanship and grit in the face of a huge disappointment. As you always say, you’re a fighter. What ever comes next- I’m proud of you.”  

Well, now it seems the next stop is LA for Shilese and Sarah. But can the coach-duo pair make a victorious return on the big stage? It seems possible. As training wise, their sync seems quite well. Speaking to EssentiallySports in an exclusive interview previously, Korngold had mentioned, how Jones prioritizes her self opinion. While also keeping things light with a joke or two sometimes. Thus, her comeback for the next Olympics would be one to keep eyes peeled for. What do you think of Jones’ return? Let us know below.