Shilese Jones, the Uneven bar champion, shared that her father Sylvester Jones Jr was the reason where she is now today. She competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics and people are interested to learn more about her late father Sylvester.
Here is everything that we know about him.
Meet Sylvester Jones, Gymnast Shilese Jones Late Father
American gymnast Sylvester Jones mentioned her dad Sylvester Jones Jr in her interview with E!. At the NBC Sports Road to Paris Bus Tour, Shilese exclusively told E! News, “It wouldn’t just be for me and my team, but also for my dad.”
According to Shilese, Sylvester “was the one that was in the gym day in and day out,” she continued, “so it definitely would go out to him.” The 4-year-old Shi, as her friends call her, was “just flipping around the house,” and it was Sylvester and his wife Latrice Bryant who saw her talent, the athlete recalled.
“My parents were like, ‘Let’s try to put her in a gym.’ And I actually was horrible at the compulsory levels. I lost everything, wasn’t really paying attention.”
Furthermore, Sylvester led the family’s relocation from Seattle to Columbus, Ohio to assist the enthusiasts for uneven bars in achieving their Olympic dreams.
“Dad you were my everything my right hand to hold, my motivation, someone to talk to, and a shoulder to lean on. You and I had a bond no one else could break,” when Sylvester passed away, Shilese took to her IG and wrote in parts “You were the strongest fighter I know. You did all in everything to make sure I succeeded You pushed me every day to become the best version of myself. You’ve taught me right from wrong, and valuable life lessons. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, you were my everything. It wasn’t your time to go, you deserved to grow old.”
“You truly are the best father and did whatever it took to make our dreams and wishes come true,” she added, “I’m so glad and honored you got to see me perform at the highest stage of my life. You will forever have my heart❤️ “SJones’s” for life🤞🏾.”
“I’m sorry you were in so much pain. Thank you for being there every day with just the love & guidance I’ve needed. “No matter where I am, your Spirit will be beside me. I’ll forever be a Daddy’s girl!” Shilese concluded the post.
Back when Sylvester was alive in 2017, Shilese had already participated in the P&G National Gymnastics Championships for the previous three years, placing third in the junior division on the floor and vault while finishing seventh overall. For more than a year and a half, Shilese has been going to National Team Training Camps in Huntsville, Texas, first under the supervision of Marta Karolyi and most recently under Valeri Liukin. Along with her teammate and USA National Team member, Shania Adams, she hoped to be nominated to the USA National Team to represent the United States in international tournaments.
Sylvester Jones Cause Of Death
Sylvester Jones died after a long battle with kidney disease which appears to be his cause of death. He underwent double transplant surgery on March 27, 2017.
Sylvester Jones Age At The Time Of His Death
At the time of his death, Sylvester Jones was 42 years old. He had just turned 42 when he passed away on 20 December 2021.
Who Were Sylvester Jones Parents?
Sylvester Jones was born to his father Sylvester Jones Sr., a 71-year-old who has been a resident of Seattle, Washington, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His mom is likely named Sherel L Vaughn who is 73 years old and residing in Seattle, Washington.
However, his parents likely predeceased him.
Sylvester Jones Job
Sylvester Jones had a job as a painter, according to one GoFundMe page from 2017 titled Shilese’s Olympic Dream. He reportedly operated his own crew and had done well enough to support Shilese and her sister’s dreams and aspirations.
” But within the past year his health has deteriorated and he now finds himself unable to work and there is no family nearby to help out with living expenses,” the GoFundMe page stated.
The GoFundMe page launched by David Holcomb the owner of Buckeye Gymnastics in Westerville, Ohio stated that in January 2017 “gofundme appeal is the second one I have made. The first was successful with nearly $5,000 raised for Shilese and her family. This should be an update to that appeal but an update requires verification utilizing the recipient’s phone number. But this was not possible as Sylvestor was forced to establish a new phone number some time back.”
They added, “I am asking for your help to keep Shilese in the sport that she loves. It is her dream that keeps Sylvester and the rest of the family going. If we can keep them afloat until Sylvester gets his new kidney and pancreas and is able to work again, then Buckeye Gymnastics will do its part in developing the talent that will allow her to compete for a spot on the Team USA in 2020 in Japan.”
Related FAQs
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Where Was Sylvester Jones From?
Sylvester Jones hailed from Seattle, Washington
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Was Sylvester Jones On Facebook?
No, Sylvester Jones was not on Facebook but on Instagram (@slyjonesjr).
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When Was Sylvester Jones Birthday?
Sylvester Jones celebrated his birthday on 15 December.
