US gymnast forgoes national championship to focus on Olympic trials after shoulder injury

Shilese Jones, a top United States gymnast and six-time World medalist, announced Friday that she will forgo the U.S. Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, to focus on healing a shoulder injury prior to Olympic Trials next month.

The 21-year-old is considered a favorite to make the Olympic team, but the championship is the main qualifying event for the Trials, meaning she will have to petition USA Gymnastics to allow her to qualify, according to NBC News. Jones said an old shoulder injury flared up after the U.S. Classic two weeks ago, and she decided to rest her shoulder instead of competing over the weekend.

"Unfortunately, I won't be participating in the [U.S.] Championships this year. With Paris as my ultimate focus, it's best for me to prioritize recovery and resting my shoulder this weekend," Jones said in a statement. "Both the medical team and I are confident this is the right decision to ensure I’m at full strength for Trials. I’m excited to support my fellow athletes and teammates this weekend. I am submitting a petition to USAG for Olympic Trials and hope to have the opportunity to compete in Minneapolis!"

Jones most recently finished third at the Worlds competition in 2023, securing the bronze medal for all-around. She came in second in the all-around category in 2022. She has also received four other medals at the World competitions.

The top-tier gymnast also finished second in the all-around category in the U.S. Classic, behind Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles. But because she is skipping the U.S. Championship, the Olympic Committee will have to determine if she qualifies. If she does, only the top two gymnasts in the all-around are guaranteed a spot in the trials. The rest will be decided by the committee on Sunday.

“[I'm] not giving up on myself. It's all part of the journey," Jones said. "It's just another step in the journey. Everyone’s in pain. We’re still fighting and gotta do it ... It’s not a setback, but it’s just kind of a mind setback. I’m like, ‘Oh, I just did it, not even two weeks ago.' Just trusting my training, trusting my coach ...No matter what happens, I’m still going to put on a show, I’m still going to be 100% as I can."

The U.S. championships run from Friday to Sunday, and the Trials will be held from June 27-30 in Minneapolis. The Olympic team will be announced on June 30.