PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 3: Bronze medalist Jade Carey of Team United States celebrates on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Vault Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the Bercy Arena on August 3, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages)Getty ImagesOne of USA Gymnastics’ 'Golden Girls’ is returning to the elite gymnastics stage. Jade Carey announced her intent to return to competition in a social media post, shared Saturday evening. Carey is a three-time Olympic medalist, most recently helping Team USA to Olympic gold in Paris, where she also won an individual bronze medal on the vault.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Carey won a surprise gold medal on the floor exercise.“Gymnastics has always been at the center of my life, and I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting," the 25-year-old said, reading aloud to her fans. “Gymnastics has taught me so many lessons about growth, resilience and passion. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been unforgettable.
I wouldn’t be able to do this without the love and support from you all. So thank you," she continued."With that being said, I still have more to give, and I'm not done yet.”Carey concluded her storied NCAA gymnastics career with the Oregon State Beavers in 2025 and has since served as the Student Assistant Coach for the program. While tending to her coaching duties, the Olympian regularly posted gym training videos, sparking significant speculation from fans.
Saturday’s announcement validated months of online speculation.Jade Carey’s ImpactCarey’s impact on the U.S. National team could be significant. The American team struggled at the most recent world championships, producing the lowest medal count since 2001.Carey owns seven world championship medals, including three gold.
With the 2026 World Championships six months away in Rotterdam, Carey’s abilities and veteran experience could be integral to the American medal hopes in the all-important team final. She could also vie for more individual accolades. Though Carey will turn 26 in May, age is no longer more than a number in women’s gymnastics.
Simone Biles was 27 when she won four medals in the Paris Olympics, and Brazilian gymnastics star Rebeca Andrade was 25. In Paris, Biles became the oldest American to win an Olympic medal in gymnastics in 76 years. If Carey could do the same in Los Angeles, she would eclipse the record set by her longtime teammate and close friend.
The Los Angeles Olympics are over two years away, but Carey looks up to the task. Could her two-time Olympic teammate, Jordan Chiles, join her in the journey to Los Angeles? Time will tell. This article was originally published on Forbes.com