Oregon State gymnast Jade Carey has had a journey filled with both setbacks and triumphs, as she recently discussed her experiences at the Olympics and her return to collegiate gymnastics. Despite previous omissions from the U.S. teams, Carey earned her place as an event specialist in 2020 and overcame injuries and illness to compete on the world's biggest stage. "I'm just really proud of how far I've come and that I never gave up," Carey stated, as reported by KOIN.
Carey's Olympic achievements in Paris, where she won a gold and a bronze medal, were a testament to her resilience. Speaking about her sense of belonging and commitment, she explained to OregonLive, "Oregon State is definitely more than a university to me". The sentiment underscores her attachment to the institution and her sport, despite the rigors of competing at an elite level.
At an Oregon State welcome home event, Carey's enthusiasm for her university was palpable as she announced her return for the 2025 gymnastics season. She acknowledged the physical and mental demands of gymnastics but reaffirmed her love for the team and the sport. "I'm excited to get back and have a little bit more a normal year in college gymnastics," Carey told KGW. Her commitment serves as inspiration for athletes navigating the balance between academic pursuits and competitive excellence.
The camaraderie and support among teammates became evident as Carey spoke on the controversy surrounding fellow Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles' bronze medal being stripped. The situation, deemed "hard and unique" by Carey, has not dampened her respect and support for Chiles. "I would just tell Jordan that she's an incredible person and an incredible athlete," she said, expressing solidarity in a statement obtained by KGW. Carey's commitment to her team and sport shines through amidst the challenges faced by her peers.
