After delivering 205 routines—all without missing a single one—collecting 16 perfect 10s, and achieving 2 full gym slams, Jade Carey took her final bow in collegiate gymnastics last season. It was a chapter that began eight years ago when she signed with Oregon State University, and it ended with heartfelt gratitude to the community that helped shape her. “The support of Beaver Nation has meant everything to me,” she said. “I couldn’t do it without the love and support of all of our fans. They’re incredible and really what ultimately wanted me to come back in the first place.” That was her moment. Her flowers. Her goodbye. But what now?
At 25, Jade Carey has not announced retirement from elite gymnastics. She’s stayed quiet on whether she’ll chase one more world title at this year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. Speculation swirls, but confirmation is absent. However, if Jade’s next move isn’t gymnastics, it might just be something completely unexpected.
On June 29, the Olympic gold medalist posted a playful but curious update to her Instagram story: “new sport unlocked tonight.” The sport? Baseball. Armed with a bat, standing in a mock batter’s box laid out on an artificial mat—likely in a backyard, given the visible house and storage shed in the background—Jade looked locked in. No stadium lights. No crowd. Just a black pair of shorts, a white T-shirt, a baseball cap, and her trademark focus. The pitcher wasn’t in the frame, but her intent was clear. Jade wasn’t just posing—she was ready to swing.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Artistic Gymnastics – Women’s Vault Victory Ceremony – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – August 03, 2024. Bronze medallist Jade Carey of United States celebrates on the podium. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Is it a new hobby? A hint at something bigger? A commercial shoot? Or a metaphorical swing at life after college gymnastics? That remains to be seen. But nearly 100 days ago, she did tease something when asked about her future:
Jade Carey still has the dream in her heart
At the Paris Olympics, Jade Carey couldn’t replicate her golden floor routine from Tokyo. The reigning champion fell short of defending her title in the event that once made her an Olympic star. But her story in Paris was far from a disappointment.
Jade stood tall as a vital part of Team USA’s gold-winning squad in the women’s artistic gymnastics team event. And on top of that, she added another medal to her Olympic collection—a bronze in the individual vault final. A different shade of medal, perhaps, but the same grit and elegance that has defined her career. Since then, though, she’s been absent from the elite stage. No World Cups. No international meets. And no statement routines. Yet, retirement? Nowhere in sight.
In March, during a candid conversation on the Beaver Sports podcast, Jade addressed the one question on everyone’s mind: could she be eyeing a return for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles? “I don’t really know yet,” she said honestly. “Right now, kind of still gonna see where this season ends and kind of where I’m at.” Not a yes. Not a no. Just a pause. A breath. But by the time LA rolls around, Jade Carey will be 28. But if you think that number is a deal-breaker, think again.
Paris 2024 Olympics – Artistic Gymnastics – Women’s Qualification – Subdivision 2 – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – July 28, 2024. Jade Carey of United States reacts after falling on the Floor Exercise. REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
“It’s been awesome to see that age level change… if you’re still feeling good and wanna do what you love, it doesn’t matter what age you are,” the Phoenix native added, reminding everyone that gymnastics isn’t just a young woman’s game anymore—it’s a sport where experience can still soar. So, is Jade Carey finished? Or just resting before the next leap? Only time—and maybe one more perfect landing—will tell.
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