The 2024 Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships is a significant event on the road map to Paris. The event will act as a stepping stone toward the US Gymnastics Trials and will ultimately decide which athletes will make it to Paris. However, in a series of unfortunate events, several gymnasts, including 2X world all-around medalist Shilese Jones and rising star Trinity Thomas, had to withdraw on Day 2 of the event at Fort Worth.

Jones’ decision to withdraw comes as she prioritizes recovery over competition. On the other hand, Thomas’ withdrawal is a major loss as the 2018 PanAm Championships gold medalist was expected to be a top contender for the top honors. 

This came along with the news that many other gymnasts have also stepped back from this year’s competition because of injuries, including names like Konnor McClain. The withdrawals of Jones, Thomas, and others will undoubtedly alter the dynamics of the 2024 Xfinity Gymnastics Championships. Now the gymnastics community and fans are leaning in to confirm whether this is just a pitstop or if the dream of Paris is over.

In a recent post on X, Dillon | EMMA AND ALEAH PARIS 2024 expressed worries about athletes withdrawing from major events due to injury. They wrote, “Shilese and Gabby withdrawing. Trinity scratching. Kaliya scratching. TEXAS YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS.” Shilese Jones told olympics.com that she will not be competing in the US Championships over the weekend, “Unfortunately, I won’t be participating in the [U.S.] Championships this year. With Paris as my ultimate focus, it’s best for me to prioritize recovery and resting my shoulder this weekend.” The decision came after a consultation with her medical team over a sore shoulder.

Additionally, Inside Gymnastics showcased that Trinity Thomas also stumbled during a routine and eventually withdrew. “Thomas goes down on her opening pass…. short again on her double layout. She stayed down for a minute and saluted. Crowd loves her so much. 💔” Thomas crashed the full-twisting double layout at the beginning of her floor routine. Later, she could walk off the mat limping, but on her own. She scratched the vaults because of a stunned ankle. 

These are not isolated incidents. Kaliya Lincoln also took a hit during the Games. She scratched the floor and vault after scores of 12.7 on the bars and 12.3 on the beam. Kailya sustained an ankle injury during the podium training which was bothering her. She will petition for the Trials in Minneapolis next. In addition, Gabby Douglas, who returned after an eight-year hiatus since Rio, has opted out of the Paris option altogether. This decision was made before the Xfinity Games began.

According to ESPN, she sustained an ankle injury during training. However, keeping her head high, she said, “I love this sport and I love pushing my limits”. Though she scored high enough to compete on vault, uneven bars, and balance beam at the Xfinity Games, she did not score high enough for an all-around. The gymnastics community is growing concerned every day as more and more gymnasts continue to face injury. 

Olympic dreams of prominent stars face stumbling blocks

Trinity Thomas has scratched the rest of the US National Championships and fans of the sport are saddened to see her go. However, they hope to see her during the trials. The Xinity miss is quite major. It could mean Thomas cannot make it to the team of five qualifying for Paris to represent the country. And this might be a major blow to her, considering the statement she had given last year.

Last year, Thomas announced that 2024 might be her final year playing the sport at an elite level. She said, “It’s one more year of gymnastics.” She did well during the Winter Cup this year despite a toe injury, winning the second-best score on the uneven bars. It really would be unfortunate for someone so talented to be taken out early in the competition. 

Additionally, Shilese Jones told the media after podium training, “They think it’s my bicep. It just really flared up.” This is the second time she’s faced a hiccup during an Olympic run. During the 2020 Tokyo Games, Jones lost her ailing father to a pancreas and kidney issue. Subsequently, she did not make it to the elite team.

The vice president of the Women’s Program will oversee her petition for the Trials, no later than the 2024 Xfinity Championships. Top contenders like Shilese Jones and Trinity Thomas withdrawing highlight elite gymnasts’ ongoing challenge of balancing competition and health. The gymnastics community looks forward to their return and the continued impact of their contributions on the sport’s future.