University of Georgia All-American sprinter Helena Jones recently underwent shoulder surgery and is redshirting the 2025-2026 season, a spokesperson for the program told SwimSwam on Friday.
Jones, a Portland native, will return next season as a redshirt junior with two years of eligibility remaining.
Jones is a key relay leg for the Bulldogs, and scored points individually at last year’s NCAA Championships.
There she finished 52nd in the 50 free (22.32), 14th in the 100 free (47.91), and 25th in the 200 free (1:44.85). Her season-best times ranked her 3rd, 1st, and 5th on the Georgia roster, respectively.
Her best time in the 200 free would have ranked 3rd among the Bulldogs roster in the 200 free at this week’s UGA Invitational behind freshman Kennedi Dobson (1:42.19) and Marie Landreneau (1:43.47); her time in the 50 would have led the team this week (Katie Belle Sikes – 22.39).
The 100 free is still to be raced on Friday evening.
Helena Jones‘ Career Bests:
- 50 free – 22.13
- 100 free – 47.64
- 200 free – 1:44.85
This is a bit of a short-term setback for the Bulldogs, who ranked #14 in the latest SwimSwam Power Rankings, but could have a long-term silver lining. The team has a good, young core led by Dobson, Landreneau, and Sikes, and having Jones in two years, as compared to this year, could really elevate their hopes at a return to the top 10 at the NCAA Championships.
Jones last raced in July at the Georgia Senior State LSC Championships, where she posted long course bests in the 50 (25.58), 100 (55.17), 200 (2:00.17), and 400 (4:14.96) meter freestyles.
