After years of almosts, injuries, and “so close!” moments, 23-year-old Riley McCusker finally nailed the landing—literally and figuratively—at the SEC Championship. Her breathtaking routine earned a perfect 10, causing teammates to lose it in the stands and fans to sob tears of joy. It wasn’t a victory—it was the comeback moment everyone had been waiting for.
But let’s pause for a moment. Because while Riley was in the spotlight, someone else was behind the scenes, chalky hands and all, assisting her to this point: her coach, Brian Carey. Yes, the man behind the magic. We applaud gymnasts when they flip, fly, and stick it, but what about the individual who assisted in choreographing the entire comeback?
It’s time to put the spotlight on the coach behind the perfect 10. Who is Brian Carey, and how did he assist in transforming Riley’s grit into gold? Let’s tumble right in.
Who is Brian Carey?
Brian Carey, who has been a gymnast, an Olympic gold medal coach, and an advocate for athletes and coaches, has introduced a program that embodies his philosophy and the integrity that all athletes, coaches, and parents deserve.
Brian has helped many athletes give their best performances. But perhaps his most personal and proudest coaching journey has been with his daughter, Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey. Balancing the roles of coach and dad, Brian has guided Jade from early tumbling classes all the way to the world stage. Now, she’s gearing up to compete in the NCAA Gymnastics Championship 2025, qualifying as an all-around individual—and yes, her dad will be right there in her corner once again.
Brian Carey’s career highlights and achievements
Brian Carey’s journey in gymnastics is a blend of personal dedication and professional excellence. As both father and coach to Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey, his career is marked by significant achievements and a deep commitment to the sport. Brian Carey began his coaching career at Arizona Sunrays Gymnastics Center, where he played a pivotal role in developing his daughter, Jade Carey, into an elite gymnast. Under his guidance, Jade transitioned from a promising junior athlete to an Olympic champion, securing gold in the floor exercise at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Their unique coach-athlete relationship is characterized by a clear boundary between their professional and personal lives, with Brian emphasizing, “At home, he’s just my dad, and at the gym, he’s just my coach.”
In July 2023, Brian Carey joined the Oregon State University gymnastics program as an assistant coach. His appointment was seen as a significant addition to the team, bringing a wealth of experience from the elite gymnastics world. At OSU, he focuses on enhancing the team’s performance, particularly in the floor and vault events, areas where he has demonstrated considerable expertise.
Carey’s coaching philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and disciplined environment. He believes in the importance of separating the roles of coach and parent to maintain a healthy dynamic, especially when coaching his daughter. This approach has not only contributed to Jade’s success but has also positively influenced other athletes under his mentorship.
Brian Carey’s career reflects a deep-seated passion for gymnastics and a commitment to nurturing talent through thoughtful and effective coaching. His contributions continue to shape the landscape of American gymnastics, both at the elite and collegiate levels.
Who else had Brian Carey coached besides Riley McCusker?
Besides Riley McCusker, Brian Carey trained his own daughter, Jade Carey. Jade won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the floor exercise. Brian has always backed her daughter not only as a coach but also as her father. Now, Jade Carey, as an individual (will perform at all-around individual qualifiers), and Riley McCusker from the Florida Gators are going to the NCAA Gymnastics Championship 2025. It is to be seen how Brian’s coaching will turn out.
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