Shilese Jones withdraws from U.S. Gymnastics Championships

Two-time world all-around medallist Shilese Jones will not compete at the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Ft. Worth, Texas, according to an update Friday (31 May) from USA Gymnastics. Women’s competition is set to begin later Friday.

“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,” said Jones in a statement provided by the federation. “Both the medical team and I are confident this is the right decision to ensure I’m at full strength for Trials. I’m excited to support my fellow athletes and teammates this weekend. I am submitting a petition to USAG for Olympic Trials and hope to have the opportunity to compete in Minneapolis!”

The U.S. Olympic Team Trials are scheduled for 27-30 June in Minneapolis with the U.S. women’s team for Paris 2024 set to be announced on the 30th. Jones, winner of six world medals including 2022 all-around silver and 2023 all-around bronze, has been an integral part of the U.S. squad that won back-to-back world team titles the past two seasons.

The 21-year-old told reporters prior to competition that an old shoulder injury had suddenly flared up following the U.S. Classic, held less than two weeks ago.

“Right after I got off the floor [there], I didn’t hear click, I didn’t hear any pops, nothing major. I was just like, ‘Oh, my shoulder’s a little sore.’ And, then, I was like, ‘No, it’s really sore,’” Jones explained. “Friday [24 May] I barely could raise my arm.”

While Jones had planned to push through in Ft. Worth, she said the plan is to rest as much as possible ahead of next month’s Olympic trials.

“[I’m] not giving up on myself. It’s all part of the journey. After this, we can rest, [go to the] doctor’s afterwards, three weeks after that [is trials],” she said. “So, it’s just another step in the journey. Everyone’s in pain. We’re still fighting and gotta do it.”

With her withdrawal from the U.S. Championships, that recovery and rest period can begin now.

Despite the injury, Jones was staying positive – and focused on her ultimate goal, the Paris Games – during a media availability Wednesday (29 May).

“It’s not a setback, but it’s just kind of a mind setback. I’m like, ‘Oh, I just did it, not even two weeks ago!’” she said. “Just trusting my training, trusting my coach… we don’t need to peak now. We don’t need to train twice a day, 20 routines a day, so just listening to my body.

“No matter what happens, I’m still going to put on a show, I’m still going to be 100% as I can,” she concluded.