Shilese Jones’ Last-Minute Wakeup Call Saves Her From Dark Times as She Puts a Break on Paris Olympics Dream at Gymnastics Trials

With just 28 days until the Paris Olympics, the competition to make Team USA is fiercer than ever. The 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials kicked off yesterday, with the men taking the first day to new heights. Now, all eyes are on the women as they begin their journey. For many, this is all about comebacks and redemption. One such contender is Shilese Jones, who is seeking redemption after missing out on the Tokyo Olympics.

However, her comeback has been anything but smooth. She missed the US Nationals due to a shoulder injury, and her dreams seemed on the verge of being shattered during warm-ups on the first day of competition at the Target Center in Minneapolis. After performing a Double Twisting Yurchenko vault, Shilese Jones was seen grabbing her knee upon landing and had to be carried away. The gymternet was in shock. This news comes amid the many injuries that have been plaguing the top women gymnasts as they vie for a spot on Team USA.

Just the other day, Skye Blakely tore her Achilles during podium training. Kayla DiCello, an alternate on the 2020 Olympic team, was carted off in a wheelchair after injuring herself on vault in the very first routine on day one of the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials. Adding to the list of setbacks, Konnor McClain also tore her Achilles at the Core Hydration Classic. Despite the scare for Jones, USA Gymnastics reassured everyone, stating, “Shilese Jones will compete.”

Determined, she got her knee taped up and joined her group at the vault, giving a brave salute. However, she soon left the podium, putting on her warmups. In a strategic move, Shilese Jones decided to scratch the vault and focus on the Uneven Bars instead. Her determination to continue, even if it meant changing her plan, showcased her resilience and commitment to making her Olympic dreams come true. In the second rotation, Shilese Jones took to the Uneven Bars and wowed despite her injuries.

Shilese Jones makes a tough decision on her path to the Paris Olympics at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials—Women’s Day 1

Shilese Jones executed a flawless routine, starting with a Stalder full to toe full and seamlessly connecting to a Downie, Pak, Maloney, and Tkachev. Her connections were on point, earning cheers from the crowd. She capped off her routine with a double front dismount, landing with a small hop forward. Her performance earned her an impressive score of 14.675 (6.1, 8.575) the highest Uneven Bars score of the night. Here are the standings:

• 14.675: Shilese Jones
• 14.425: Simone Biles
• 14.400: Sunisa Lee
• 14.350: Jordan Chiles
• 14.025: Hezly Rivera
• 13.925: Leanne Wong
• 13.575: Jade Carey

However, after the second rotation, Shilese Jones sat down and began removing her bands. US Gymnastics later confirmed that Shilese would not continue competing after this rotation on Day 1. This tough decision, while disappointing, was necessary to prevent further strain on her injuries and ensure her long-term recovery. Shilese Jones has faced a series of challenging injuries over the past few years.

Her path marred with injuries

It began in 2021 when she experienced a serious car accident, forcing her to pause her Olympic aspirations at the Tokyo Olympics. Just before the 2022 World Championships, she injured her shoulder while performing a release move on the bars, resulting in tears in her labrum. Despite initial healing, the shoulder continued to trouble her, leading up to the 2023 season with ongoing issues.

Her determination to compete persisted despite setbacks, including an ankle injury that has persisted since the 2022 Worlds. Most recently, she withdrew from the 2024 U.S. Championships due to a flare-up of her shoulder injury and she admitted that she “barely could raise my arm,” further complicating her journey towards the Olympic Trials in Minnesota. But she told USA TODAY ahead of the trials, “I’m not giving up on myself. It’s all part of the journey and after this, I can rest.”

With Women’s Day 2 set for Sunday, June 30, there’s still hope for Shilese Jones’s comeback. As we eagerly await updates from the star athlete, fans hope for a speedy recovery. What are your thoughts on her journey? Do you think she’ll make it to the Paris Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!