Shilese Jones reacts to young fan expressing admiration for the gymnast after attending She Can Fly invitational tour

Shilese Jones recently reacted to a little girl expressing love for her after attending the She Can Fly Invitational Tour from January 17-19, 2025. Jones introduced the tour for levels 1-10, offering an exclusive opportunity for passionate budding gymnasts to learn and grow.

Jones vied for her debut Olympic edition in Paris but had to sit out due to a knee injury suffered at the US Olympic trials. While recovering from her torn ACL and meniscus, Jones returned to the training mat at Ascend Gymnastics, hoping to compete in the events en route to the 2025 World Championships.

Two weeks into the New Year's, the LR Production-hosted She Can Fly Invitational Tour with Shilese Jones was held from January 17-19, 2025. The tour welcomed level 1-10 gymnasts to learn from the six-time World medalist. After attending the event, several young gymnasts shared their experiences at the tour, out of which, one caught Jones' special attention.

A young girl, with medals around her neck, excitedly expressed admiration for Jones while heading home.

"I met Shilese Jones and she was really nice," the little girl said in the video.

Jones responded with teary-eyed emojis to assert that she was moved by the message.

Jones shares a fan story at the She Can Fly tour; Instagram - @shicanfly

Jones only competed at the Hydration Core Classic in 2024, finishing second in the all-around behind the most decorated, Simone Biles. Before losing her Olympic bid, she withdrew from the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships, citing a shoulder injury.

Shilese Jones showed off the 'Shi wall' at Ascend Gymnastics, looking to add more laurels to it

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

Like her Paris Olympic setback, Jones missed out on the Tokyo Olympics roster after finishing tenth in the all-around at the trials. Despite this, she continued to excel at the World Championships, accumulating six medals. In an Instagram story posted on January 15, 2025, Jones showcased the "Shi wall" at her training center, expressing her ambition to expand its collection.

""I'm obsessed. New banners. @ascendgymnastics. The Shi wall continues."

Jones' post-Olympic-setback statement confirmed that she would be in the run for the 2028 LA Olympics. Here's what the statement said:

"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." (Olympics.com)

Jones' resume has a team gold from the 2018 Pan American Championships among other wins.