One 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.
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“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 gymnastics training videos, sparking significant speculation from fans.
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Saturday’s announcement validated months of online speculation.
Jade Carey’s Impact on Team USA
Carey’s effect 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.
As the records stand, Carey is currently the fifth most decorated U.S. women’s gymnast of all-time, tied with 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman. Carey needs one world or Olympic medal to tie Alicia Sacramone in fourth, and four more medals to tie Nastia Liukin in third.
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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. The Olympian joins 2024 Olympic teammate Hezly Rivera as the second of two ‘Golden Girls’ to return to elite competition. Could their teammate, Jordan Chiles, join them in the journey to Los Angeles next? Time will tell.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com
