The 24-year-old American artistic gymnast, Jade Carey, reached new heights by capturing gold in the team event and bronze in the vault at the 2024 Paris Olympics. For Carey, this moment has been three years in the making, marked on her calendar ever since Tokyo 2020, when she stumbled during her first vault, a misstep that dashed her hopes for a podium finish. But in the heart of the French capital, she set her sights on redemption. The women’s vault final was her ultimate goal—a chance to rewrite her story and claim the victory she had been working tirelessly toward.

Despite battling a stomach virus that made it hard to keep down fluids earlier in the Games, Jade Carey powered through and delivered two exceptional vaults. Her determination earned her a well-deserved third-place finish, just behind superstar teammate Simone Biles and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. This moment of ‘redemption’ was one she had been chasing for years. Reflecting on her journey, Carey expressed, “We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time, and it was one of my biggest moments to get back here.” The grit and resilience she showed in Paris transformed her struggle into a triumph.

Jade Carey opens up about battling illness on her road to the Paris Olympics

In an interview with Olympics.com, Jade Carey shared that she wasn’t in top form during her time in Paris, struggling with illness in the days leading up to Team USA’s women’s podium training. Reflecting on her condition, she said, “I just have not been feeling well the past few days and haven’t been able to eat or anything.” Carey continued, “I had, like, no energy today and didn’t really have a sense of what was going on in my head. So, I just kind of wanted people to know that so, they know that there’s actually something wrong.” Through these words, she candidly conveyed how her physical and mental state took a toll, highlighting the unexpected challenges she faced despite being at the pinnacle of competition.

In a recent Instagram post by Insidegym, they highlighted Carey’s unwavering spirit, even in the face of illness. Despite the setback, Carey displayed her trademark resilience and determination. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I’ve really been able to learn how strong of a person that I am and I’ve been able to push through some…hard situations.” Through this statement, Carey not only revealed her inner strength but also how she consistently confronts adversity head-on, embodying the relentless spirit that continues to define her career.

Having wrapped up her incredible journey at the Paris Olympics, Jade Carey didn’t let the dust settle for long. She swiftly shifted her focus, diving headfirst into her next adventure. So, what’s on the horizon for this tenacious gymnast? As she readies herself for new trials, the question remains: what new challenge awaits her as she continues to forge her path forward?

What new challenges lie ahead for Jade Carey?

As the Olympic spotlight dims, Jade Carey remerges with renewed vigor, transitioning from Olympic glory to the NCAA 2025 season. Carey already has 5 medals to her name at the NCAA championships. It’s truly astounding to think that just in April, she was dazzling with Oregon State in NCAA gymnastics, and mere months later, she triumphantly returned with Olympic medals. Now, she’s back in the gym, gearing up for the 2025 season with unparalleled determination. What a testament to her relentless spirit!

As the audience marvels at her unyielding determination, they’ve dubbed her a ‘role model’—a beacon of resilience. As Jade Carey readies herself for the upcoming competition, we eagerly anticipate her triumphant return. Having navigated the stormy seas of illness, she stands poised, ready to reclaim her place and face the challenges ahead. Her journey, marked by both struggle and strength, now leads her toward the shimmering horizon of NCAA 2025. What are your thoughts on Jade Carey, who, after battling adversity and illness, is now on the cusp of adding new medals to her collection?