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Olympic gymnastics hopeful Shilese Jones withdrew from the U.S. Championships.
On Friday (May 31), Jones announced that she would not compete at the U.S. Championships, the official qualifying event for the Olympic trials, per NBC News. The announcement came after Jones told reporters on Wednesday (May 29) that she had been dealing with a shoulder injury since competing at the Core Hydration Classic.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be participating in the Xfinity Championships this year," Jones said in a statement Friday. "With Paris as my ultimate focus, it’s best for me to prioritize recovery and resting my shoulder this weekend."
Just weeks prior, Jones stunned at the Core Hydration Classic, finishing second in the all-around competition and winning the uneven bars.
Jones said she plans to file a petition with USA Gymnastics so she can compete at the Olympic Trials, which are set to begin on June 27 in Minneapolis. Selection procedures for Olympic hopefuls allow gymnasts to petition to compete in the case of injury or other extenuating circumstances.
If Jones' petition is accepted, the star gymnast will join the top two finishers of the all-around competition at the U.S. Championships. A selection committee will determine who else will compete in the Olympic Trials after the second day of competition on Sunday (June 2).
"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," Jones said in her statement.
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