Olympian Jade Carey Opens Up on “Big Struggle” Following Series of Losses

Following a challenging season in 2023, it would have been completely understandable for Jade Carey to feel frustrated. During this period, Carey faced not only physical hurdles but also mental and emotional challenges that tested her determination. Since her senior debut in 2017, Jade Carey, aged 23, has been one of Team USA’s top and most reliable gymnasts.

As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, Jade Carey aims to make history by becoming the first active NCAA women’s gymnast to secure a spot on Team USA’s gymnastics team. Being a highly skilled and resilient Olympic gymnast, she recently discussed a candid insight into her journey, revealing a period of significant challenges after experiencing a series of losses. 

Overcoming setbacks: Jade Carey’s courage amidst adversity

Jade Carey, who clinched gold in the floor exercise at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, doubted whether she had made the right decision. She had been one of the best gymnasts of Team USA, but she had admitted she didn’t feel ‘fully prepared’ while competing last summer. Carey finished 15th at the U.S. Championships and 11th on floor. In an interview with Olympics.com Carey had said, “I think a big thing for me was… well, [there were] a few things: numbers and just endurance and strength”.

Last year, Jade Carey experienced an unexpected setback, finishing 15th at the U.S. championships in the all-around, marking her first time outside the top eight in her career. She admitted to Olympics.com during last season, “Getting the final routines together has been a little bit of a struggle for me.” Carey shared in an exclusive, “It was really just that and me not feeling confident because I was feeling that way”. She continued, “It was definitely a big struggle, but at the end of the day, we learned a lot. It’s what really pushed me to just be even better and more on top of it this year.”

Following all the losses, Carey admitted that she was lacking confidence, “I feel like not working as many elite routines during the season, I didn’t feel strong enough or confident enough in my elite routines… because I didn’t have that strength and endurance like I did before”. While pursuing her Olympic dreams, Jade Carey faced challenges in the NCAA championships as she was unable to secure victories. She is now eagerly anticipating the American Classic on April 27, which represents one of the last opportunities to qualify for the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships (May 30 – June 2), the event that determines eligibility for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials (June 27-30).

Jade Carey sets sights on Paris Olympics

Jade Carey boasts an impressive record with seven medals, including three golds, at the World Championships. Additionally, she holds the title of reigning Olympic champion in the floor exercise event. Carey has now set her eyes on the Paris Olympics 2024 after taking a break she said, “I knew that the Olympics was still my end goal and maybe that last year was just something I had to go through, I would rather it be last year than this year.”  The road to Paris is going to be difficult as she will have to face the American Classic, one of the two remaining qualification opportunities for the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships that serve as the qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Trials. This will lead her way to her goal, the Paris Olympics.

Carey is fully confident and ready for any challenges that are going to come her way. “I would say I feel the most confident I have throughout this entire cycle, and just reminding myself of how good I am, and not letting last year define that for me.”

Olympian Jade Carey shared her series of losses, highlighting the resilience needed in elite sports. She’s achieved peace, happiness, and balance on her journey. This mindset has made her strong, as she prepares for Paris in her own way, accepting that as her best approach.