Shiley tied with Babe Didrikson in the trials for the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. In the games, both cleared 5 ft 5+1⁄4 in (1.657 m) and failed at 5 ft 6 in (1.676 m). In the jump-off, they tied again at a world record height of 5 ft 5+3⁄4 in (1.670 m); however, Shiley was awarded the gold medal, as Didrikson's Western roll technique was deemed "diving".
Didrikson was also given a share in the world record and this, though equalled a few times, stood until 1939. Shiley was ruled ineligible for the 1936 Games as she had worked as a swimming instructor.
