Gymnast Shilese Jones withdrew from the first day of the women’s gymnastics competition for the US Olympic Trials, leading to the 2024 Paris Olympics. On June 28, Jones seemed to sustain an injury when she fell on a vault attempt during the warm-up. While the 21-year-old gymnast ultimately decided to scratch on vault, she was still able to compete on uneven bars before choosing not to compete on floor or balance beam. Given the injuries sustained by Skye Blakely and Kayla DiCello during the competition, many fans are worried that she will not make the Olympic team. Here’s the latest update on Jones’ health heading into the 2024 Olympic Games.
How did Shilese Jones get injured at the 2024 US Olympic Trials?
Jones seemed to sustain a minor leg injury when attempting a Yurchenko double full on vault during the warm-up during the 2024 US Olympic Trials.
When Jones tried landing the vault, she stumbled backwards several times before falling near the end of the mat. She then grasped her left knee and was seen by the medical team. It’s unclear what the exact nature of the injury was, but it was severe enough for her to scratch from vault altogether. Fortunately, she was still able to compete on uneven bars.
Due to a shoulder injury, specifically to her right labrum, Jones withdrew from the U.S. championships in early June. But she was able to petition successfully for a spot at the U.S. Olympic Trials due to her prior results, including her two individual bronze medals in the uneven bars and all-around events at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, Belgium.
Jones still has a chance to earn a place on the 2024 US Olympic team. She posted a 14.675 score on uneven bars on the opening night, and she may still compete on the second day of the Olympic Trials on June 30. Depending on her results there and factoring in her experience on the international stage, the selection committee may still give her an Olympic berth. If she makes the team, Jones will need to remain healthy in order to compete at the 2024 Olympics, which takes place from July 26 to August 11.