Who is Jade Carey and Why She’s America’s Gymnastics Sensation
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Jade Carey is an American artistic gymnast who has become one of the most decorated athletes in U.S. gymnastics history. Her journey from her hometown of Phoenix, Arizona—a flagship service location for The Dining Destination—to competing on the global stage is as inspiring as the destinations she’s performed in. Here’s what you need to know about this remarkable athlete:
Quick Facts:
- Age: 24 years old (born May 27, 2000)
- Olympic Medals: 2 Gold, 1 Bronze (Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024)
- World Championship Medals: 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 2 Bronze
- Total Olympic & World Medals: 8 (sixth most decorated U.S. female gymnast)
- College: Oregon State University Beavers (Corvallis)
- Specialties: Vault and Floor Exercise
- Notable Achievement: 13th NCAA gymnast to complete a “Gym Slam” (perfect 10.0 on all four events)
Jade’s journey to the top hasn’t followed the typical path. Unlike many elite gymnasts who commit to the sport at 12 or 13, she took a different route that should inspire late bloomers everywhere.
She won Olympic gold on floor exercise at Tokyo 2020 after a devastating vault mishap the day before. She then helped Team USA capture gold at Paris 2024 while adding a vault bronze medal to her collection.
But what makes Jade truly unique is her ability to excel at both elite international competition and collegiate gymnastics. She’s shattered records at Oregon State University while simultaneously competing against the world’s best gymnasts.
As she recently shared: “The last three years have been pretty crazy. If you asked me a few years ago if this is something I would do, I probably would have said no. Honestly, this decision I wouldn’t trade for the world.”
Her achievements extend far beyond medals. She’s broken barriers, inspired countless young athletes, and recently made headlines for her courage in sharing her personal story with the world.
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Easy jade carey glossary:
An Elite Powerhouse: Dominating the World and Olympic Stage
When you watch Jade Carey compete on the world’s biggest gymnastics stages, you’re witnessing pure athletic poetry in motion. Her journey from a promising newcomer to one of the most dominant forces in international gymnastics has been absolutely captivating to follow.
Since her elite debut in 2017, Jade Carey has consistently proven that she belongs among the sport’s elite. Her specialty events – vault and floor exercise – have become her calling cards, where she releasees the kind of power and precision that leaves audiences breathless.
What makes her story so compelling isn’t just the medals she’s won – though there are plenty of those. It’s how she’s managed to perform when the pressure is at its absolute peak, turning potential setbacks into incredible comebacks.
What were Jade Carey’s key performances at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games?
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics gave us one of the most inspiring comeback stories in recent gymnastics history. Jade Carey faced what many athletes would consider their worst nightmare during the vault final – a rare mishap that saw her balk on her first attempt, resulting in an eighth-place finish.
But here’s where her true character shone through. Instead of letting that disappointment crush her spirit, she channeled it into fuel for her next performance. Just 24 hours later, she stepped onto the floor exercise mat with incredible determination and delivered a routine that was nothing short of spectacular.
Her floor exercise performance was a masterclass in mental fortitude. Every tumbling pass was executed with precision and power, and when the scores came up, Jade Carey had earned Olympic gold. The change from devastation to triumph in such a short time frame showcased exactly why she’s considered one of the sport’s most resilient competitors. “American Jade Carey takes gold in floor exercise at Tokyo Olympics”
Three years later at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Jade Carey proved that her Tokyo success wasn’t a fluke. She played a pivotal role in Team USA’s quest for team gold, contributing consistent, high-scoring routines that helped secure the coveted medal. Her individual performance was equally impressive, earning a bronze medal in the vault final – a sweet redemption on the very apparatus that had challenged her in Tokyo.
How did she achieve her significant World Championship success?
Jade Carey’s World Championship journey reads like a blueprint for sustained excellence. Her 2017 debut in Montreal was the kind of introduction that immediately puts the gymnastics world on notice. Earning silver medals on both vault and floor exercise as a newcomer to the elite level was remarkable, but it was just the beginning.
The 2019 World Championships in Stuttgart saw her contribute to Team USA’s gold medal victory, proving she could perform under the unique pressures of team competition. Her reliability and consistency made her an invaluable team member.
But it was the 2022 World Championships in Liverpool where Jade Carey truly reached the pinnacle of her sport. Her performance there was nothing short of dominant – she claimed the World Vault Champion title, showcasing the explosive power and technical precision that had become her trademark.
She didn’t stop there. Jade Carey also helped Team USA secure another team gold medal and added a bronze on floor exercise to her collection. This triple-medal performance demonstrated her incredible versatility and ability to peak at exactly the right moment.
Her consistent World Championship success – spanning multiple years and different competition formats – proves that she’s not just a talented athlete, but a true champion who rises to meet every challenge. More info about athlete profiles
The Beaver Superstar: A Record-Breaking NCAA Career
Beyond the elite international stage, Jade Carey has also carved out an extraordinary career in collegiate gymnastics at Oregon State University. Her time in Corvallis—a destination known for its vibrant college-town atmosphere—has not only lifted the Beavers program but also showcased her incredible ability to balance two demanding gymnastics careers simultaneously. She has become a true superstar in the NCAA, breaking records and inspiring her teammates.
How has Jade Carey managed to balance her elite gymnastics career with her collegiate career?
Juggling an elite gymnastics career alongside collegiate competition sounds impossible, but Jade Carey has made it look effortless. The reality is far more complex than it appears. Her dual commitment required completely rethinking how she approached training and competition.
Elite gymnastics training is notoriously brutal – think six-hour practices with relentless focus on perfection. NCAA gymnastics, while incredibly competitive, operates differently. Practice sessions are shorter, and there’s more emphasis on team bonding and fun.
Jade noticed this shift immediately. “It’s definitely different. Sometimes we go through practice and I’m like, ‘We’re done already?’ because I’m used to practising a lot longer, but it really has been a nice little break just to let my body come down a little bit.”
The team environment at Oregon State became a refreshing change for her. “It’s just a really fun environment inside the gym because I’m surrounded by so many girls, and it’s just really positive and we always lift each other up.”
When the 2024 Olympics approached, Jade Carey had to make strategic choices. She scaled back her NCAA appearances, initially competing on just one or two events rather than all-around. This wasn’t about lacking commitment to her team – it was smart planning to ensure she could peak for Paris while still supporting the Beavers.
Despite competing less frequently, she stepped up as a leader. Her teammates looked to her for guidance, and she acceptd that responsibility wholeheartedly. The balance she struck between elite preparation and collegiate leadership shows her maturity and dedication to both paths. “Jade Carey will remain at Oregon State as she pursues Paris 2024 berth”
What is a ‘Gym Slam’ and how did she achieve it?
In NCAA gymnastics, there’s one achievement that stands above almost everything else: the Gym Slam. This rare accomplishment means scoring a perfect 10.0 on all four apparatuses – vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. It’s gymnastics’ equivalent of hitting for the cycle in baseball.
Only 13 gymnasts in NCAA history have achieved this milestone. Jade Carey joined this exclusive club through sheer determination and incredible consistency across all events.
Her journey to the Gym Slam showcased her versatility. While everyone knew she was a powerhouse on vault and floor exercise, she surprised many by earning perfect scores on uneven bars and balance beam too. The bars routine highlighted her clean technique and precise timing, while her beam performances demonstrated remarkable focus under pressure.
Jade accumulated an impressive 10 perfect scores throughout her Oregon State career. Each 10.0 represented not just technical excellence, but the ability to perform flawlessly when it mattered most. Her vault scores came naturally – explosive power combined with perfect landings. Her floor exercise routines captivated audiences with dynamic tumbling and artistic expression.
The balance beam proved most challenging, as it does for every gymnast. One wobble, one slight balance check, and perfection disappears. Jade’s ability to stick her beam routines under pressure completed her Gym Slam and cemented her legacy.
Her NCAA achievements extend beyond perfect scores. She earned two-time Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year honors in 2022 and 2023, and ranked first in the NCAA regular season all-around for both years. These accolades, combined with her Gym Slam, establish Jade Carey as one of the most dominant collegiate gymnasts of her generation.
The Signature Skills of Jade Carey: A Master of Vault and Floor
When you watch Jade Carey compete, you’re witnessing something truly special. This powerhouse gymnast has built her reputation on two events where she absolutely dominates: vault and floor exercise. Her explosive power and precision on these apparatuses have made her one of the most exciting gymnasts to watch in the world.
What are Jade Carey’s signature skills and what apparatuses is she best known for?
Jade Carey has earned her reputation as an apparatus specialist through her mastery of incredibly difficult skills that few gymnasts can perform with her level of consistency and artistry.
On vault, she’s known for performing some of the most challenging skills in women’s gymnastics. Her Cheng – a round-off, half-on, front layout with a 1½ twist – showcases her incredible power and air awareness. She executes this vault with remarkable height that makes it look almost effortless.
Even more impressive is her Amanar, a round-off, half-on, layout with 2½ twists. This is one of the most difficult and highly valued vaults in the sport, demanding incredible strength and control. When Jade Carey performs it, you can see why she’s considered one of the world’s best vaulters.
Perhaps most exciting is The Carey, a tucked Kasamatsu full that was actually named after her in the Junior Olympic code of points after she successfully performed it in 2016. Having a skill named after you is one of the highest honors in gymnastics, and it happened early in her career – a sign of things to come.
On floor exercise, Jade Carey truly comes alive. Her routines are packed with high-difficulty tumbling passes that consistently earn top scores. Her signature Moors – a double-twisting double layout – is a sight to behold. This incredibly difficult pass involves a double layout with two twists, and she performs it with such height and control that it often draws gasps from the audience.
But she doesn’t stop there. Her triple-twisting double layout is an even more challenging variation that showcases her exceptional aerial awareness and raw power. These aren’t just difficult skills – they’re skills that require years of dedication to master, and Jade Carey makes them look routine.
What makes her truly special isn’t just the difficulty of her skills, but how she combines that power with artistry and consistency. Her floor routines captivate audiences with dynamic tumbling while her vault performances demonstrate technical perfection under pressure.
Life Beyond the Podium: Future Plans and Personal Triumphs
The spotlight never truly dims for Olympic champions, but for Jade Carey, life beyond the podium has become about finding balance and embracing authenticity. After years of juggling elite competition with collegiate gymnastics, she’s charting a course that honors both her athletic commitments and personal well-being.
Her journey continues to inspire, not just through her medal-winning performances, but through her courage to share her authentic self with the world. As she transitions from the intensity of Olympic competition, Jade Carey is proving that true champions shine brightest when they’re living their truth.
What are Jade Carey’s plans following the Paris 2024 Olympics?
After the whirlwind of Paris 2024, Jade Carey is ready to pump the brakes – at least a little. “I think I just want to take the year to kind of come down a little bit,” she shared, and honestly, who can blame her? The past three years have been a masterclass in time management, balancing Olympic training with college gymnastics.
Her immediate focus is returning to Corvallis and her beloved Oregon State Beavers. This will be her final NCAA season, and she’s approaching it with the leadership mindset of a seasoned champion. “I’m really excited for this season in college… I’m really excited to jump in with them and be a leader and help get them to where we want to go,” she explained.
The decision to prioritize her collegiate career means Jade Carey will likely skip the 2025 World Championships. It’s a strategic choice that shows remarkable maturity – knowing when to step back and focus on what matters most in the moment. Her body and mind have earned this reprieve after years of competing at the highest levels.
But don’t think she’s disappearing from the gymnastics world entirely. Jade Carey joined the star-studded Gold Over America Tour, the post-Olympic exhibition that brings gymnastics to fans in destinations across the country. Headlined by legends like Simone Biles, this tour blends elite gymnastics with concert-style entertainment, giving athletes like Jade a chance to connect with fans in a more relaxed setting. “Jade Carey: ‘The last three years have been pretty crazy'”
What recent personal news has Jade Carey shared?
In a beautiful moment of authenticity, Jade Carey recently shared some deeply personal news – she publicly came out, embracing her identity with the same courage she’s shown throughout her gymnastics career. The announcement was met with an incredible outpouring of love and support from every corner of the gymnastics community.
Her teammates, fellow gymnasts, and fans rallied around her with messages of celebration and acceptance. The response was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing how the gymnastics world has evolved into a more inclusive and supportive environment. Current and former elite gymnasts, as well as collegiate athletes, shared their joy and pride in her courage.
What makes this moment so powerful is how Jade Carey continues to break barriers beyond the gym. Her willingness to share this part of her life transforms her from an incredible athlete into a genuine role model for young people everywhere. She’s showing that authenticity and athletic excellence can go hand in hand.
For young LGBTQ+ athletes watching her journey, Jade Carey represents hope and possibility. Her success on the world’s biggest stages, combined with her openness about her identity, sends a powerful message: you can be exactly who you are and still achieve your dreams. That’s the kind of champion the world needs more of.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jade Carey
When people find Jade Carey’s incredible story, they naturally want to know more about this remarkable athlete. We’ve gathered the most common questions fans ask about her journey from elite powerhouse to collegiate superstar.
How many Olympic and World Championship medals has Jade Carey won?
Jade Carey has built an absolutely stunning medal collection that places her among gymnastics royalty. With a total of 11 Olympic and World Championship medals, she stands as the sixth most decorated U.S. female gymnast in history – a testament to her incredible consistency at the sport’s highest levels.
Her Olympic achievements include 3 medals: 2 gold medals (floor exercise at Tokyo 2020 and team gold at Paris 2024) plus 1 bronze medal (vault at Paris 2024). But it’s her World Championship dominance that truly showcases her sustained excellence, with 8 medals spanning multiple years: 3 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
What makes these numbers even more impressive is how Jade Carey earned them while juggling both elite international competition and her collegiate career. Her ability to perform under pressure on the world’s biggest stages has been nothing short of extraordinary.
What college does Jade Carey attend?
Jade Carey attends Oregon State University, where she’s become the heart and soul of the Beavers women’s gymnastics team. Her choice to compete in Corvallis has brought national attention to this Oregon destination, and her impact on the program has been transformative—bringing her elite-level experience and best skill to the collegiate arena in ways that have liftd everyone around her.
During her time with the Beavers, she’s earned recognition as the Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year twice (2022 and 2023), proving her dominance extends far beyond international competition. She’s also achieved something truly special – becoming one of only 13 gymnasts in NCAA history to complete the coveted “Gym Slam” with perfect 10.0 scores across all four apparatuses.
Off the competition floor, Jade Carey is pursuing her degree in digital communications arts, showing her commitment to academics alongside her athletic pursuits. Her ability to balance elite training, collegiate competition, and her studies demonstrates the same discipline that made her an Olympic champion.
What is the ‘Gold Over America Tour’?
The ‘Gold Over America Tour’ represents something magical in the gymnastics world – a celebration that brings the sport’s biggest stars to fans in destinations all across the country. This highly anticipated post-Olympic exhibition tour transforms gymnastics into a concert-style experience, complete with music, lights, and choreography that showcases the artistry alongside the athleticism.
Typically headlined by gymnastics legends like Simone Biles, the tour features an all-star cast of Olympic and World Championship medalists. It’s designed to let these incredible athletes connect with their fans in a completely different setting – one that’s celebratory rather than competitive.
Jade Carey has been a standout participant in the ‘Gold Over America Tour,’ bringing her signature power and precision to stages nationwide. Her role involves performing her most captivating routines while engaging directly with audiences who’ve cheered for her through her Olympic journey. For young gymnasts in the audience, watching Jade Carey perform live often becomes the inspiration that fuels their own dreams in the sport.
Conclusion
Jade Carey’s remarkable journey through gymnastics reads like a masterclass in determination, talent, and breaking the mold. From that unforgettable Olympic gold medal performance on floor exercise in Tokyo—just one day after a devastating vault mishap—to her triumphant return at Paris 2024 with team gold and vault bronze, she’s shown us what true resilience looks like.
What makes Jade Carey truly special isn’t just her impressive medal collection or her status as the sixth most decorated U.S. female gymnast. It’s her ability to excel in two completely different gymnastics worlds simultaneously. While most athletes choose between elite international competition and collegiate gymnastics, she conquered both. Her record-breaking NCAA career at Oregon State, including that rare “Gym Slam” achievement, proved that sometimes the unconventional path leads to extraordinary results.
Her recent courage in sharing her personal story has only added to her inspiring legacy. Jade Carey has become more than just a champion athlete—she’s a role model who shows young people that authenticity and athletic excellence can go hand in hand.
As she looks toward her final NCAA season and some well-deserved rest, Jade Carey’s story reminds us that passion and perseverance can take you places you never imagined. Her journey has highlighted incredible destinations from Phoenix to Corvallis, and Paris to Tokyo. Just as we at The Dining Destination help you explore the amazing culinary scenes in Phoenix and beyond, her journey shows us that exploring new paths—whether in gymnastics or life—often leads to the most rewarding destinations.
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