Shilese Jones withdraws from 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships

FORT WORTH, Texas – Shilese Jones has withdrawn from this week’s Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships, citing a flared up shoulder injury.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be participating in the Xfinity Championships this year,” Jones said in a statement released by USA Gymnastics .”With Paris as my ultimate focus, it’s best for me to prioritize recovery and resting my shoulder this weekend. 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 was open with media this week about a shoulder injury that flared up after the Core Hydration Classic earlier this month – to the point she couldn’t raise her right arm. She tore her labrum two years ago and said she’ll need surgery “eventually.”

Petitions are considered on a rolling basis by the Athlete Selection Committee. A decision for Jones is expected early next week at the latest but can vary depending on when she submits the official paperwork. She has until the conclusion of championships to submit. If her petition is accepted, she will immediately be added to the U.S. women’s national team.

Despite the injury, Jones still looked strong in podium training on Wednesday and said rest and recovery between championships and trials would be crucial. This decision gives her a few additional days to try to get her body where it needs to be.

It’s important to note Jones will not be able to petition directly onto the Olympic Team since she will not have competed at championships.

“Petitions directly on to the 2024 Olympic Team will be considered by the Athlete Selection Committee for any athlete 1) who places 1st or 2nd in the All Around at the conclusion of the 2024 U.S. Championships and 2) whose combined All Around score from the 2024 U.S. Championships places them 1st or 2nd place All Around after 2 days of competition at the 2024 US Olympic Trials,” the selection procedures state.

You can read the full selection procedures for Olympic Trials here.