“A Little Dull”: Straying from Signature Move, Shilese Jones Breaks Silence on a Surprising Journey at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023

The 2023 World Gymnastics Championship has been a platform of fortune for Team USA. Over the course of a week, the men’s team made its way to the pedestal both as a team and as individual all-arounder in over a decade. Further trailing along, not only did the women’s team earned a win for the 7th consecutive time, but Simone Biles also earned a 6th all-around title to her name; equalling the record held by Kohei Uchimura. Contributing alongside the legend herself was the rising star, Shilese Jones.

Shilese Jones has been steady in making her presence felt in the gymnastics world. Starting as a 12-year-old, Shilese has walked down to contribute to the best of her abilities at the 2023 Worlds. Right from placing second in all-around with 56.932 during qualifiers, Shilese has maintained a consistency that led her to a place in the top 3 on the 6th of October. Jones after experiencing a wave of up-and-downs through the competition spoke her thoughts to USA Gym post the medal ceremony.

Shilese Jones talks about the experience at all-around finals

The Antwerp 2023 and USA Gym on Friday posted a post-ceremony interview with the rising star, Shilese Jones. The 21-year-old gymnast talking about all things 2023 Worlds shared a glimpse into her experience. Returning from the medal ceremony, Jones appeared bright and proud of their accomplishments. “This was overall great…it was a little crazy but I am just happy to go 4-for-4 and be on the podium again,”?Shilese said talking to USA Gym.

The gymnast prior to her bronze victory also experienced disappointment performing an element. With a few days left for the worlds, Jones had submitted an element to be named for her called the Triple L. However, when Jones performed the skill today, it was not her best; resulting in a failed attempt. Shilese reminiscing the same, talked about her thoughts. “I have obviously done that before…but then I was like, oh no, what do I do, but then like I said, I was still gonna do a double tuck.”?Shilese, who attempted for a skill ended her performance with a double tuck recording the score at 13.400.

Continuing further, Jones moved on to talk about the environment at the venue. She said, “At first I felt like it was a little dull but towards the end, it was a lot of energy. I feel like people knew what we all had to do.” Throughout the course of the event, Shilese performed to outrank the best in the game and showcase the talents she owns. Standing true to the stance, Shilese recorded numbers for a marvel.

Also Read: ?Teared Up?: Despite Previous Discredit, Shilese Jones Melts Millions of Hearts at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023

Jones treads through the 2023 World Gymnastics Championship

By the end of Friday, the 6th of October, Shilese had earned recognition for her talents. As Simone Biles took the top of the podium with 58.399, she was followed by Rebecca and Shilese Jones; owning 56.766, and 56.332 respectively. The 21-year-old’s place on the stand arose as a remarkable feat after the downs she went through over the year.

Early in 2023, Shilese succumbed to multiple injuries. A torn labrum in her shoulder followed by an ankle injury. Though the obstacles set Shilese back by 10 months, she knew just how to recover to get back strong. Entering the contest, Shilese made a strong remark as she placed 2nd on the all-around list. However, that was not all. Amongst the 4 apparatus put forth for the women gymnasts, Shilese placed among the top 8 in all but one apparatus; the vault. This performance of her’s has led Shilese into the final leg of the 2023 Worlds.

On the final day of the event, Shilese will go against the best in the field performing individual apparatus. The gymnast will be competing alongside Simone Biles. However, according to the interview, it is the Beam that Shilese is more focused on. She revealed that the apparatus gets her nervous but since she has been doing well during the training, she hopes for better results. Shilese has previously won a silver on the uneven bars and heading ahead on the 8th, fans just await the gymnast’s marvel.

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