Exceptionally powerful, but just 0.400 points shy of the topper. With this scoreline, Washington gymnast Shilese Jones put up one of her best landings at the two-day Worlds selection Camp. The provisional quota was missed despite a flawless performance and a sturdy place in the top line-up for each routine.

Making her triumphant return streak going, Simone Biles surprisingly concluded the opening all-around day with a narrow margin win. However, the wobbly half-apparatuses falls are now leaving room for doubts about her ascend over Jones.

Simone Biles’ step-up over Shilese Jones ends in disappointment

19-time World gold medal winner Simone Biles secured the top spot on the first day of the Worlds selection camp in Katy, Texas Shilese Jones started from fourth. However, she concluded the day in second position giving fierce competition to fellow gymnasts. Going by final standing, Biles got 55.700 and Jones 55.300. However, Jones hit her feet on the mat on the bars hence securing lower points. Now, in the post-event interview with Shilese Jones posted by USA Gymnastics on YouTube, she said, “I unfortunately didn’t get credit”. She was talking about her floor routine.

Simone Biles vs. Shilese Jones at the Selection Camp

Jones and Biles were unquestionably protagonists of the selection camp. Irrespective of their rivalry, the Yurchenko double full by 21-year-old Jones and 26-year-old Biles’s additional rotation in Yurchenko was truly incredible. Both gymnasts kept their fans on the edge since the second rotation on Day 1. It was only after half-routine standings that Jones clearly posed a threat over the winningest gymnast.

After Biles had already secured her place as one of the six gymnasts going to Worlds, Jones stuck to her win game scoring AA 29.100 on the final day. In spite of the fierce competition, both gymnasts advanced to Antwerp, Belgium to represent America in the World Championship which begins at the end of this month.