Besides 16-year-old Hezly Rivera, the four other gymnasts who punched their tickets for Paris 2024 were teammates at the last Olympics. Balance beam bronze winner Simone Biles, Floor Exercise gold medalist Jade Carey, all-around gold medalist Sunisa Lee, and Jordan Chiles discussed what they hope to achieve this time. Carey revealed that after winning a team silver in Tokyo, they’re aiming for gold in Paris.

Besides wanting to strike goals as a team, the 24-year-old also spoke about her personal goals for Paris 2024. Simone Biles’s historic comeback to become the oldest US gymnast to qualify for the Olympics in 72 years, has inspired all her teammates. So Jade Carey has set her goal high, hoping to exceed expectations, surpass what she achieved in Tokyo, and take her best shot at redemption.

After winning gold on vault at the Olympic trials, the Olympian hopes to ride into Pairs with the same momentum. Jade Carey hopes to turn an unfulfilled dream into reality at the Paris Olympics. “In 2021, I wanted a gold (medal) on vault and floor and didn’t get it on vault. So I think for me, vault is one of my biggest redemptions, just making that final again and proving that I belong there and can medal again.” the former World Championships team gold medalist told The Oregonian on Wednesday, July 10th.

However, Jade Carey isn’t the only one hoping to outdo their 202 Olympic achievements. “We all have been talking about how we want redemption,” Carey said during her interview at the Corvallis State gymnastics practice facility. While Simone Biles earned support and criticism for opening up on her mental health battle during the 2020 Olympics, she didn’t perform at her best.

The 7x Olympic medalist is already on her way to redeeming herself. Biles made her triumphant return to the international stage winning 4 golds at the 2023 World Championships. She also topped the scoreboards at the 2024 Olympic trials. Unfortunately, a controversy nearly dampened the team’s high spirits.

Jade Carey was dragged into controversy

Simone Biles’s former teammate, Mykayla Skinner made some unsavory comments after the Olympic trials concluded on June 30th. “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t what it used to be. I mean, obviously, a lot of girls don’t work as hard. The girls just don’t have the work ethic.” Skinner said in a YouTube video.

“Some of the girls that fell twice and still ending up in the second place in the all-around, just kind of crazy to me.” the 3x team world champion added. Her words caused a massive uproar in the gymnastics community. While Jade Carey didn’t respond to her former teammates, Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and even the athletes’ family members did.

MyKayla Skinner’s words had the potential to have a negative impact. However, the community’s support only helped raise Jade Carey and the rest of the team’s spirits. Jade Carey’s only focus is to reach new heights at the Paris Olympics.