Gymnastics - 2024 Core Hydration Classic - Source: Getty — In Picture: Shilese Jones at the podium of the 2024 Core Hydration Classic - (Source: Getty)

Shilese Jones makes her feelings known as she flaunts new victory banners at Gym months after Olympic trials setback

Modified Jan 15, 2025 04:53 GMT

Shilese Jones showcased Ascend Gymnastics' walls adorned with the numerous accolades she has earned at the elite level since 2022. Despite her impressive achievements, Jones was unable to compete for the US women's gymnastics team at the Paris Olympics due to an injury.

A fierce rival to reigning Olympic all-around champion Simone Biles, Jones made her senior elite debut in 2018. Her consistently strong performances on both the national and world stages were instrumental in numerous US team victories. In Biles' absence in 2022, Jones played a crucial role in securing the team's sixth World Championship gold medal. She also achieved individual success, capturing silver medals in both the all-around and uneven bars.

At the 2023 World Championships, the Washington native repeated her feat, winning team gold and bronze in the all-around and uneven bars. As one of the heavy favorites, she participated in the 2024 US Olympic trials but injured her left knee during the vault warm-up, tearing her ACL and meniscus, and therefore ending her Olympic bid.

Months later, alongside slow progressions in the gym, Jones shared a clip of all her laurels gracing the walls of her training center, Ascend Gymnastics.

"I'm obsessed. New banners. @ascendgymnastics."

She also added a hint of her comeback to the gymnastics mat, writing:

"The Shi wall continues"

Shilese Jones shows off her laurels on the Ascend Gymnastics' wall; Instagram - @shicanfly

Shilese Jones started her 2024 season at the Hydration Core Classic, clinching the all-around and floor silver behind the most decorated US gymnast, Simone Biles. She also earned gold on the uneven bars and finished fourth on the balance beam.

Later, the 22-year-old revealed that she would miss the Xfinity US National Championships owing to a shoulder injury.

Shilese Jones on her LA 2028 Olympics aspirations

In Picture: Shilese Jones at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic - (Source: Getty)

Shilese Jones, the six-time World medalist, missed a spot on the 2021 Tokyo Olympics roster after finishing tenth in the all-around event at the trials. Having shifted to Ascend Gymnastics in 2022, she vied for the Paris Olympics but faced a setback at the 2024 Olympic trials.

Despite the heartbreak, the 22-year-old shared a strong message on her Instagram handle, confirming that she would focus on competing at the 2028 LA Olympics.

"I’m shifting focus to the future and my next chapter ahead - which is why I’m excited to announce you will see me on the road to LA 2028,"

In the post caption, she also shared how she wished to chase her dreams despite the obstacles in her journey.

"My journey hasn’t been a simple one, and I’m still tackling obstacles as they come. This pain is temporary, but the scars will only fuel me that much more as I continue to chase my dream."

Notably, Jones was a part of the gold-winning team at the 2018 Pan American Championships.