The national and global influence of Gabby Douglas (2012 Olympic Gold Medalist) and Simone Biles ( three-time All Around Champion) is remarkably impactful, especially for young, aspiring athletes of color. And though there were other successful gymnasts prior such as Dominique Dawes, talented gymnast like Khloè Grace Jones and those in her age group relate by mere inference to Gabby and Simone because of their more recent dominance and success. Apprised of Khloè’s participation in a USA Gymnastics competition held on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Broward County Convention Center (Fort Lauderdale) by her uncle and my fraternity brother Larry Woods, I felt compelled to cover this talented and remarkable young lady’s ascension as a future Olympic star. Encouraged by our publisher- Bobby R. Henry – Khloè, Uncle Larry and I share something else in common: We are native Mississippians. 12 year old Khloè hails from Tupelo, Ms. and is in the 6th grade. Her very supportive, dedicated parents are Skyye and Latesha Jones. Additionally, she is lovingly supported by siblings Baylee, BLAKELY, Navy, and Kylan. I grew curious about the names of the siblings so their father Skyye explained that Baylee Sky and Blakely Rose are twins whose names were chosen by mom Latesha and him from a baby book. Navy Marie, the youngest of the siblings, received her name from her mother and grandmother. Jakaylen was also a name gifted from the loving machinations of mom Latesha.
Khloè began her gymnastics career as a nine year third grader, has been actively competing for two years, and is currently a member of Elite Gymnastics in Tupelo. When questioned about her future goals, she stated emphatically, “ I most definitely aspire to be in the Olympics one day. She recently competed in the Xcel Regional Championships where she won a gold medal. However, she is also a realist, understanding with great clarity that it takes dedication, determination, hard work, mental toughness and the right attitude to succeed in life. More importantly, her faith and belief in God as instilled in her by her parents, completes her physical, moral, emotional and spiritual development.
A typical day for Khloè consists of getting up early, attending school – a priority – at Milam Elementary and after brief period of rest from the stresses of the day, going straight to the gym for conditioning and skill work. At the USA competition in Fort Lauderdale, she led her team to the overall championship, winning two individual medals In All Around and Uneven Bars but considers the Floor Exercise her favorite.
Khloè admires and sees as a role model the accomplishments of Trinity Thomas, the Florida Gator phenomenal superstar gymnast. In the case of Skyye and Latesha Jones, the fruit really doesn’t fall far from the tree. A statement in support of Khloè from them reads:
“We are so proud of Khloè. She has exemplified everything that has been taught to her over the years as far as discipline in achieving a level of success in the classroom and in the gym. We pray for her continued progress as a gymnast and are pushing her to be a role model for those coming behind her. We wish her Godspeed.”
Publisher Bobby Henry and the Westside Gazette staff wish for you Khloè Grace Jones the very best in your academic and athletic pursuits. We’ll be tracking your journey.
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