Shilese Jones’ “Unapologetic” Paris Olympics Chase Brought The Gymnast to Train With Her Coach

Shilese Jones’ life took some unforeseen turns in 2021. The year started with enshrining her as one of the top names to enter the American squad for the Paris Olympics. Her father, Sylvester Jones Jr. continued to motivate her on that front. However, Shilese Jones faced one of the most unfortunate results. She ended up being tenth in the list where the top nine gymnasts made it to the squad by being a regular or a reserve. Meanwhile, her father’s demise in the last quarter of the year made her stand in the lanes of uncertainty. But, in the meantime, she had taken one firm decision that broke the shackles of the question marks pertaining to her future chances. 

In choosing a resolute future, Shilese Jones made the call, digressing from the norm. And that paved the way for Sarah Korngold to enter her story. However, according to the coach, her inclusion followed a hard decision taken by Shilese. 

Shilese Jones is not willing to compromise on her father’s dream 

After surviving all those low points in 2021, Shilese Jones had two options- to catch up with the scholarship offered at the University of Florida or she could move on with her late father’s dream of seeing her participating in the Olympics one day. Shilese chose the second one and moved to her native place, Seattle, to continue her preparation earnestly. As per Sarah Korngold, the decision of Shilese Jones was ‘unapologetic’. In her conversation with the Seattle Times, she bespoke Shilese’s version, “I’m going to the Olympics. I’m going to 2024.” Ultimately, that mindset resulted in her meeting with Shilese Jones in Ascend Gymnastics. And the gymnast didn’t have to look behind after that. 

In 2022, Shilese earned her World Championship all-around silver medal. Coming to 2023, she helped the American squad to win the team title in the World Championships. This time, she had to stop at the bronze medal in the all-around event. But she didn’t feel disappointed with her achievement. 

Rather, Shilese glowed over her return after dissipating shoulder and ankle injuries. That impressed Sarah Korngold big time. In her outright takes on her mentee, Sarah said, “She’s just super driven and focused… her eyes on the prize.” But sharing a close touch with the phenom, she knows both things- Shilese Jones’ determination to achieve her father’s dream and her touch-up with injuries. And being the mentor, Sarah Korngold made some time-tested decisions. 

Sarah Korngold proves to be the perfect guide 

When it comes to talking about her late father’s wish, Shilese Jones feels extremely emotional. The engagement runs so deep that she has one tattoo on the back of her right shoulder. It says, “Dad… your name echoes in my heartbeat.” That sharing of bond makes her determined to go for the Paris Olympics. Expressing an insight from that determination, Sarah Korngold conceded, “She keeps him in her heart every time she steps out on the competition floor and thinks about what he would say.” But in such a motivated run, an injury can play a spoilsport. In Shilese’s career, there are certain examples of it. Now, standing at a crucial juncture, the mentor does not want a repeat. 

This year, an example of it was visible when Shilese Jones took her name away from the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships because of an inflammation on her shoulder. The contest was vital, as it could give the gymnast the much needed practice before the Olympic trials. Furthermore, before coming to the US Classic, Shilese Jones had achieved second rank in the all-around event at the Core Hydration Classic 2024. So, she could continue with the same momentum at the US Classic as well. But it was Sarah who marked a red ink. 

The veteran coach knew about Shilese’s history of shoulder injury. So, she didn’t want to take a chance before the ultimate test, the Olympic trial. Rather, bowing out gave Shilese the optimal chance of giving her shoulder rest. Expressing that tone, Sarah said, “Her body’s feeling good and so, we still feel like we made the right decision.” Now, as the US Olympics trials are hours away, Shilese Jones has appeared with her full might at Minneapolis. And talking about her companionship with Sarah Korngold, she has one steady answer, “As much as I can keep proving myself, following me and Sarah’s training plan, it’ll just be a little bit more success and a little bit more steps to my ultimate goal.”