"Truly so unfair, she deserved a moment to shine in Olympics"-Fans react to Shilese Jones 'missing' gymnastics following injury at Olympic Trials

Shilese Jones emotionally looked back at one of her uneven bars routines in the gym, days after withdrawing from the 2024 US Olympic Trials in the wake of a knee injury. The 21-year-old was one of the heavy favorites for the Paris Olympic roster but a fateful turn of events ended her dreams, kindling empathy in several gymnastic fans.

At the 2023 World Championships, Jones anchored the US women's team to the coveted gold and also added the individual all-around bronze to her repertoire. She started strong in the Olympic year, earning the all-around second place at the 2024 Core Hydration Classic.

But her run for the Xfinity US Championships podium ended after she withdrew in the wake of a right shoulder injury. At the US Olympic Trials, she sustained a knee injury in the vault on the first day of the competition. A further evaluation confirmed that she would have to end her Olympic bid.

In a recent X post, Shilese Jones emotionally looked back at one of her Nabieva to Bhardwaj transitions in the uneven bars, since she was 'missing' gym time ahead of the Olympics. The post stirred gymnastics fans, who lamented Jones' absence from the Olympic team.

"missing it."

One fan claimed that the situation was unfair since Jones deserved to be in Paris.

"Truly so unfair, she deserved a moment to shine in Paris so much."

Another fan wished a multitude of gold medals on Jones' resume for her incredible journey.

"Shilese you are my favorite gymnast I want you to know that you are incredible, you are a fighter, your journey deserves millions of gold medals."

One fan suggested she partake in a proper healing journey so that she could return to the competition as strong as ever.

"Please take time heal and come back stronger than ever."

Here are some of the other reactions:

"And we miss you!!! Can’t wait for your comeback!!!" a fan commented.

"The Nabieva was exquisite!!" a fan tweeted.

"I’m sorry but that’s the best bhardwaj I’ve ever seen," commented a fan.

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Shilese Jones shared that her self-belief came from her parents and herself

Shilese Jones was prepping for the 2020 Olympics when her biggest supporter, her father, left her side after losing a battle with a prolonged kidney disease. Despite the loss, Jones never lost self-belief, some of which her parents imparted and some she developed within herself.

She does gymnastics for herself and believes that nobody else can accomplish her goals but herself.

"A little bit from my parents but also from myself. Obviously, in the older eras, it was kind of pushed on you, but I feel like, you do gymnastics for yourself.. I have had many goals for myself, so the only way you’re going to accomplish that is yourself," Jones said. (via International Gymnast Media)

The 21-year-old missed out on the Tokyo Olympics after suffering a car accident in 2021. But Shilese Jones fought her way back to the top and earned three podiums at the 2022 World Championships.