“A lot of people do take for granted that as women, we already go through a lot: we go through pain, aches, impostor syndrome, eating disorders, and more,” said Jordan Chiles, and you can’t deny it. Yes, women’s sports have surpassed the barriers and broken records. The 2024 NCAA women’s championship game being the most-watched basketball game, at any level, since 2019. However, there is room for improvement, and the UCLA Bruins women’s gymnastics superstar is not alone in thinking so, fellow member of U.S. women’s national artistic gymnastics team, Jade Carey, also hopes certain things in gymnastics change for the better.

Appearing on a special coverage by POPSUGAR that discusses the poignant issue of the women in sports, Jade Carry rallied for recognition and respect for female athletes, “The recognition that we all deserve. I think it’s definitely come a long way, but female athletes are truly some of the most incredible people and have so many inspiring stories that I think a lot of people can learn from.” The 2x Olympic gold medalist has emphasized the contagious energy and inspiration female athletes have to offer for the rest of the world. Acknowledgement and recognition for female athletes and their feats can help motivate them and push them towards excellence.

“Highlighting them more, getting their stories out there, and giving them the recognition that they deserve and work so hard for. What we do is really special.” The Arizona native is not alone in pushing for recognition and respect in sports, she has found support and solidarity from her dear friend and the UCLA Bruins gymnastics sensation, 23-year-old Jordan Chiles.

Talking about the importance of due recognition the female athletes are entitled to, the Oregon native also pointed out the potential downsides to being “recognized” or staying in the spotlight for too long, “The biggest thing is yes, the recognition, but also understanding that when we get recognized or we accomplish something so big, we never know the negativity that’s going to come out of it.” The Olympian told POPSUGAR.

In the light of the International Women’s Day, we can hope the tide turns in these amazing gymnasts’ favor, and what’s more, they have the sweetest gift to celebrate the special day!

Women’s day gift for Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles

As the women’s day inched closer, Mattel unveiled eight one-of-a-kind Barbie dolls, celebrating the importance of female friendship on March 4th. These dolls have been modeled after disability advocates Paola Antonini and Kelen Ferreira, Hannah Waddingham and Juno Temple, also inspired one of the duos. But we had to save the best for the last: Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles. The star gymnasts now have Barbie dolls modelled after them! How cool is that?

Being a girl, Barbie is not only one of our childhood toys but a role model as well, and becoming a Barbie yourself; that’s something. Jade Carey was over the moon seeing her friendship with Chiles being immortalised in the best way possible, “That’s just a little kid’s dream come true. Jordan and I have definitely experienced what can come from our friendship and how much easier a journey can be together. So, I’m just really honoured to be a part of this day with Barbie”. But the question is, how did such a phenomenal friendship that inspired Mattel come around to be?

The Oregon State University’s gymnast first met the UCLA star in 2017 at a national team training camp and ever since then they had what you could call a ‘connection’. The 2020 Olympic champion on floor exercise has even said in the past that “I don’t think either one of us would be here today without the friendship that we’ve had.“, and that says all that we need to know about the two’s relationship with each other.

Jade recently took over Chiles’ spot to become the number gymnast in the country as per the NCAA rankings. This comes after an amazing undefeated 2025 season. She also went for an average of 39.690 all-around for four consecutive weeks. The Beaver are now headed to the San Jose State for their next meet on 9th March 2025. How much do you think is Carey scoring? Regardless of that, we know for sure that the 23-year-old Jordan Chiles will cheer for Carey as loudly as possible!