PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 3: Jade Carey of Team United States celebrates after finishing her routine during the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Vault Final on day eight of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the Bercy Arena on August 3, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tom Weller/VOIGT/GettyImages)
Getty Images
It’s been nearly two years since Jade Carey last competed in elite gymnastics, but the three-time Olympic medalist is back like she never left. Carey began her LA 2028 Olympic comeback on June 27 at the American Classic competition, taking the floor for the first time since winning two medals at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Competing in all four events at the American Classic, Carey finished second in the all-around behind 17-year-old Tatum Drusch and won gold medals on vault and floor exercise, her specialties.
Though the two-time Olympian competed with downgraded difficulty from her typical Olympic-level programs, she showcased impressive height, form, and endurance in her elite return.
Prior to this weekend’s competition, Carey indicated that she would limit her difficulty level as she eased back into elite training. Thus, Saturday’s result was a resounding success for Carey’s camp.
With her silver medal-winning all-around total score of 53.050, Carey also took a crucial step toward her world championship and Olympic aspirations.
Carey Takes Leap Toward Rotterdam – And LA 2028
The score met USA Gymnastics’ qualification requirements for the upcoming U.S. National Championships in Phoenix, Arizona – Carey’s hometown – putting the Olympian in prime position to vie for a spot on the U.S. National team.
Should she make the U.S. National Team, Carey could contend for a spot on the world championship team heading to Rotterdam, Netherlands, in October.
At 26 years old, Carey’s confident return points to her measured approach to gymnastics training.
In her nearly eight years as a member of the U.S. National Team, Carey has rarely weathered significant injury and has appeared at two Olympic Games, three world championships, and seven U.S. National Championships.
Across those appearances, Carey has tallied three Olympic medals, seven World medals, and ten U.S. national podium finishes. In 2026, she has her sights set on a fourth world championship appearance. Known for her steady, reliable gymnastics, Carey’s presence could be hugely beneficial to Team USA.
Carey is currently the fifth most decorated U.S. women’s gymnast of all-time, tied with 2012 and 2016 Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman. Carey needs one world or Olympic medal to tie Alicia Sacramone in fourth, and four more medals to tie Nastia Liukin in third.
With her ticket punched to Phoenix, the Olympic Champion is on track for Rotterdam and – perhaps – LA 2028.