Shilese Jones works toward gymnastics return: 'The story still continues'

Shilese Jones is determined to return to gymnastics after a series of injuries sidelined her leading up to the 2024 Olympic Trials. The World Championships all-around silver and bronze medalist from 2022 and 2023 hoped to make her first Olympic team, but her plans were put on hold when she suffered a right shoulder injury at the U.S. Championships.

In a twist of fate, she then injured her left knee during warm-ups just before trials. Despite the setback, Jones competed on the uneven bars, posting the night's top score before deciding it was unsafe to continue. After recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus in 2021, Jones underwent two knee surgeries in 2025 and also repaired a torn rotator cuff in her right shoulder.

Currently, two years out from the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Jones' shoulder feels great, and her knee is improving. She is balancing workouts with coaching younger gymnasts at Ascend Gymnastics outside Seattle, with her eyes set on the 2028 Games. Jones expressed her motivation to prove herself and return to competition in a pain-free, healthy state, inspired by fellow gymnasts' journeys and the support of the gymnastics community.