“Was Simply Too Fragile”: Shane Wiskus Silences Trolls as Gymnastics Community Stands in Support After Paris Olympics Heartbreak

The audience in Target Center, Minnesota, was eager to watch the gymnasts from home flying higher in the US gymnastics trials. Suni Lee, hailing from Minnesota, reflected on that wish when she earned her Paris Olympics all-around ticket. However, Shane Wiskus, the prominent face from Minnesota in men’s gymnastics, failed to make his entry to the ultimate men’s team, despite ranking third (169.650) in the all-around trials. Though his name was announced in the alternate squad later, that could not break the ice.

Shane Wiskus remained absent on day 2 in women’s gymnastics, i.e., the final day of the US gymnastics trials whereas the men’s Olympics gymnastics squad showed up in arms. That had raised a few more eyebrows. 

However, today the 25-year-old made a detailed IG post, coughing out all the emotional storms he had been experiencing. With that, he also mentioned why he gave a miss to the final day introduction of the men’s team on the podium. The prime reason for his absence in the pomp went as described by him, “I was simply too fragile in the moment for any of it. I knew that what I needed most was to be home and in my own bed, which many can relate to. So I asked for permission and bought the first ticket home available.” But the reasons that led him to being ‘fragile’ were heartbreaking. 

As we have already mentioned before, Shane Wiskus had the third-highest all-around score, only after Fred Richard and Brody Malone in this year’s US Olympic gymnastics trials. His prowess felt to be more established after his highest scoring in the second day’s all-around performances among all the competitors. 

He furthered the topic of that extraordinary performance by depicting, “Starting on high bar, hitting a near perfect floor routine, nailing my best horse routine of the season, sticking the crucial ring routine I needed a 3rd score for.” Simultaneously, a few more memorable things were waiting for Shane Wiskus. “And finally, the standing ovation I received from my hometown crowd following the competition,” he remembered.

But for the three-time NCAA champion, everything turned meaningless when he saw himself ending up on the alternate team. Meanwhile, the following conversations with the press regarding missing his regular berth in the squad extended the pain. And as a result, Shane hid himself from everything for the next couple of hours. 

Still, he does not hold a grudge against anyone. Rather, he wishes the qualified gymnasts the best and promises to train best to suit himself well alongside them. This puts an answer to the trolls that Shane Wiskus faced last weekend and also earns an applause from the fans for clarifying his emotions. 

Shane Wiskus keeps winning support from almost everyone 

After missing Shane Wiskus on the final day, several gymnastics fans went gaga. On the X platform, one such fan had put, “I have never seen a more locked in human than Shane Wiskus this weekend”. Another fan called the trials being Shane Wiskus’ espresso. However, now, with the gymnast’s reply, everything should be clear as daylight. Meanwhile, several names from the gymnastics community joined the IG post to praise him for his explanation. 

One such remained Stephen Nedoroscik, who ultimately found his place in the regular squad for the men’s gymnastics team for the Paris Olympics, despite having a lower score compared to Shane. However, pacifying the fallen hero, he wrote, “So proud of your performance this week and I think I speak for everyone when I say having you by our sides will make this team even stronger”. Shane’s coach, Syque Ceaser, also echoed that sentiment. 

In the comment box, he penned, “You put on the most inspirational gymnastics performance I have ever witnessed in my life! It was an honor to watch you show the world what you’re capable of! I’m so proud of you and grateful to be your coach!” The moment of wishes continued as a fan added a memorable statement in the comment box.

The comment read, “So well stated sweetheart! It is ALWAYS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING to take care of yourself first! I am beyond proud of you in so many ways and love you to the moon and back!” This form of acknowledgment may make Shane Wiscus find more reasons to come back stronger in the coming days.