Olympic Gymnast Jade Carey Returns With 2 Gold Medals

Jade Carey proved Saturday that sometimes stepping away makes you stronger when you return.

The three-time Olympic medalist competed for the first time in nearly two years at the American Classic in her elite gymnastics comeback. Despite intentionally using easier routines than her usual Olympic-level difficulty, Carey won gold medals on vault and floor exercise and placed second overall with a score of 53.050.

The performance was exactly what Carey's team hoped for. She had announced beforehand that she would ease back into elite training with downgraded routines, making her gold medal wins all the more impressive.

Her score did more than prove she's still got it. The result qualified Carey for the U.S. National Championships happening in Phoenix, her hometown, where she'll compete for a spot on the U.S. National Team.

Making that team would open the door to the World Championships in Rotterdam this October. At 26, Carey is taking a measured approach to her training, and it's working.

Why This Inspires

Carey's career shows what consistency and smart training can build over time. In nearly eight years on the U.S. National Team, she's avoided major injuries while competing in two Olympic Games, three World Championships, and seven U.S. National Championships.

Those appearances have earned her three Olympic medals, seven World medals, and ten national podium finishes. She's now tied with Aly Raisman as the fifth most decorated U.S. women's gymnast of all time.

Just one more world or Olympic medal would tie her with Alicia Sacramone in fourth place. Four more medals would put her tied with Nastia Liukin in third.

Known for her steady, reliable performances, Carey could be a huge asset to Team USA at the Rotterdam World Championships. Her specialty events, vault and floor, are where she shines brightest, and Saturday proved she hasn't lost her competitive edge.

With her ticket to Phoenix secured, Carey is right on track for Rotterdam and possibly the 2028 LA Olympics, where she could compete on home soil for the first time in her career.