With the 2024 Paris Olympics nearing, preparations are underway all around the globe. Amidst the excitement and the anticipation, many young stars are hoping to represent their country on the world’s biggest stage for sports. When it comes to gymnastics, Shilese Jones and Konnor McClain are two athletes who are hoping to win for Team USA at the upcoming Olympics.

Shilese Jones, the American artistic gymnast, has showcased her talent at World Championships and even won a gold for the same. Konnor McClain has also proven herself on a national level by becoming the 2022 U.S. National Champion. Now, both these young women have set their sights on the 2024 Olympics. The question is, what motivates them to perform at such a high level?

Young gymnasts open up about what inspires them to be the best

In an interview with Today that aired earlier this month, three young women aspiring to be in Team USA gymnastics, got candid about what influences them to reach such astronomical heights. These three women, who form the young blood of gymnastics, were Jordan Chiles, Shilese Jones, and Konnor McClain. While Chiles focused on her plans for the Paris Olympics, Jones and McClain revealed what sets their soul on fire.

According to Shilese Jones, her drive comes from her family, and first and foremost, herself. During the interview, she said, “Just my family, myself.” Jones’ family has always been the driving force for her when it comes to gymnastics. For the 20-year-old to be an Olympian is a dream they all share. This is probably why they moved around all over the country just so Jones could train with Christian Gallardo post the 2014 season. She?further added, “I know there’s still more for me to prove out there and I wanna accomplish so much more. So… Just gotta keep pushing and grinding every day till I reach that final big goal.”

When it comes to Konnor McClain, she has been dreaming about being at the Olympics since she was 11, as she told Steve Harvey. In the interview with Today, she said, “I’d say the same. Doing it for myself and my family… Especially my dad. And, making it through. Pushing through.” Sadly, in 2021, McClain lost her beloved father Marc due to COVID. But he still acts as a motivation for the 18-year-old.

Two lights shining bright in the world of gymnastics

Both Shilese Jones and Konnor McClain have defeated adversities to make it big in the sport. Shilese Jones, also known as ‘Shi’, was born in Seattle. In 2022, she won the World Championships and also managed to become the all-around silver medalist. She also won the silver in uneven bars. 2022 was a good year for Jones, as she also became the U.S. uneven bars and floor exercise champion and all-around silver medalist.

Read more: Amidst Simone Biles Silence, Jordan Chiles Is All Set for Paris Olympics

Konnor McClain, on the other hand, reigned supreme at the 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Tampa. What made her win even more special, was that she persevered after facing unfathomable tragedy. Simply going back to gymnastics after losing her father and grandmother in a span of a week is hard, but then excelling in such a manner at the sport proves her to be an outstanding athlete. It will be exciting to see what these two firecrackers can bring to the stage at the 2024 Games.

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