Indianapolis, Indiana (June 25, 2021) – After a courageous performance at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Trials, Shilese Jones has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the remainder of the competition due to a nagging knee injury.

A Rising Star with a Legacy of Success

Jones, a 22-year-old from Plano, Texas, entered the Trials as one of the most highly anticipated gymnasts. Her impressive resume includes a gold medal in the uneven bars at the 2016 Pacific Rim Championships, a team silver medal at the 2018 World Championships, and numerous NCAA titles during her collegiate career at the University of Florida.

Injury Hampered her Progress

Despite her strong performance during the first day of competition, Jones began to experience discomfort in her knee. The pain intensified during the second day, making it increasingly difficult for her to perform at her best.

After consulting with medical staff and her coaches, Jones made the tough decision to withdraw from the remaining events to prioritize her long-term health and well-being.

Statement from Jones

“It’s with a heavy heart that I must withdraw from the Olympic Trials,” Jones said in a statement released by USA Gymnastics. “This has been a dream of mine for so long, and I was determined to give it everything I had. But my knee is just not cooperating. I’m absolutely devastated, but I know this is the right decision for my future.”

Picture by: Kyle Terada/USA TODAY NETWORK

Support for Jones

The gymnastics community rallied around Jones, offering messages of support and encouragement. Team USA’s Director of National Teams, Tom Forster, praised her courage and determination.

“Shilese is an incredible athlete and a true warrior,” Forster said. “Her decision to withdraw from the Trials shows her maturity and her commitment to her long-term goals. We are all behind her and wish her a speedy recovery.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Despite the setback, Jones remains optimistic about her future in the sport. She plans to take time off to rehabilitate her knee and return to training stronger than ever.

“I’m not going to let this injury define me,” Jones said. “I’m going to use it as motivation to come back even stronger. I still have big goals, and I’m determined to achieve them.”

Impact on Team USA’s Olympic Hopes

Jones’ withdrawal is a significant loss for Team USA’s Olympic aspirations. However, the team remains confident in its ability to field a competitive squad for the Tokyo Games.

“We have a lot of talented gymnasts who are ready to step up,” Forster said. “We’re going to rally together and give it our all in Tokyo.”

Legacy of Perseverance and Inspiration

Shilese Jones’ decision to prioritize her health serves as a reminder of the importance of putting long-term well-being ahead of short-term goals. Her resilience and determination will undoubtedly inspire aspiring gymnasts and athletes worldwide.

Despite the setback, Jones remains a shining star in the gymnastics world. Her legacy of excellence and unwavering perseverance will continue to motivate others to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles they face.