In a different timeline, Shilese Jones would already be an Olympian. The 21-year-old has starred on the global stage for the United States gymnastics team for a number of years now, getting her start with the junior squad a decade ago.
While she has won multiple medals for the red, white and blue at international competitions, an Olympic medal is missing from her resume. In 2024, Jones has a chance to check that box.
Jones, 21, is one of a number of gymnasts aiming to secure their spot for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Seattle native is affiliated with Ascend Gymnastics Center in Auburn, Wash.
Qualifying for the United States gymnastics team is underway, and Jones is one of the favorites to make the squad after missing out on a chance in Tokyo.
Here is everything you need to know about Jones and her gymnastics career.
MORE: How USA gymnastics qualifying works for 2024 Paris Olympics
Who is Shilese Jones?
Jones is a gymnast who hails from Seattle, Wash. She has represented the United States in international competition since 2014.
She started off her junior career in 2014, participating at that level until turning senior in 2018. With the senior team, Jones has enjoyed much success including a plethora of medals already.
Jones was a part of the gold-medal winning team at the 2018 Pan American Championships for the United States. She also won gold in the team event at the 2022 and 2023 World Championships. Individually, the gymnast earned silver in the all-around and uneven bars at the 2022 World Championships, followed by taking bronze in the same two events at the 2023 World Championships.
The gymnast was expected to enroll at the University of Florida, where she was accepted, however, she decided to forego college and focus on her gymnastics career.
Shilese Jones car accident
Jones was in contention to make the United States Olympic team that participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, she was involved in a car accident and suffered a broken ankle and broken back.
She referred to the incident as “devastating.” Despite her injuries, she attempted to perform at the Olympic trials in June of that year, however she finished tenth and did not make the cut for the team.
“I didn’t really feel confident in myself, but I wanted to go out there and do the best I could,” Jones said to NBC Sports.
Shilese Jones father
The car accident wasn’t the only tragedy in 2021 for Jones. That same year her father, Sylvester, died after a long battle with kidney disease. He had diabetes and was forced to undergo both kidney and pancreas transplants.
@nbcolympics Shilese Jones always dreamed of going to the Olympics but after recovering from a car accident in 2021, she just missed making the U.S. team. With the inspiration of her late father, she’s ready to finish what she started. ❤️ #gymnastics #shilesejones #olympics #usa ♬ original sound – NBC Olympics & Paralympics
Jones posted a heartwarming message on Instagram following his passing.
“Dad you were my everything, my right hand to hold, my motivation, someone to talk to and a shoulder to lean on,” Jones said in the caption. “You and I had a bond no one else could break. It was devastating seeing and knowing how much pain you were in everyday, and being unable to cure it for you.
“You were the strongest fighter I know. You did all in everything to make sure I succeeded. You pushed me everyday to become the best version of myself. You’ve taught me right from wrong, and valuable life lessons. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, you were my everything. It wasn’t your time to go, you deserved to grow old.
“You truly are the best father and did whatever it took to make our dreams and wishes come true. I’m so glad and honored you got to see me perform at the highest stage of my life. You will forever have my heart.”
Shilese Jones height
Jones is listed at 5-3, according to the Team USA gymnastics website.
