Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey announces she’ll return to Oregon State to compete for her senior season

Less than 24 hours after returning from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Oregon State’s Jade Carey made a campus visit to celebrate her multiple medal feat.

There was that, for some 1,000 people attending the celebration. But Carey brought down the house by breaking some news.

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committed to the 2025 season,” Carey told the crowd. “I look forward to continuing to compete, pushing my limits and striving for excellence with best team by my side.”

It was unclear if Carey, 24, planned to continue in college gymnastics. A two-time Pac-12 gymnast of the year, Carey was the silver medalist in all-around and floor at the 2024 NCAA championships. Carey is the most decorated gymnast in OSU history.

“OSU has been more than just a university. It’s been my home, my family and my source of strength,” Carey said.

Carey returned to Corvallis on Wednesday night from Paris, where she was part of the USA’s gold medal-winning team, as well as a bronze medalist on vault. With fans lining a street outside Gill Coliseum and spilling on Parker Plaza outside Reser Stadium, Carey slowly rode past them standing the back of a pickup truck.

Carey, her father and coach Brian, and Oregon State coach Tanya Chaplin spoke to the crowd after she paraded past fans.

“To be able bring home a gold and a bronze is something of my wildest dreams,” Carey said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support you all have showed me.”

Carey was asked why she decided to come back for her senior year, and why she opted to compete for the Beavers last season and do a lot of her training locally. It didn’t hurt that OSU recently opened an upgraded gymnastics facility last year.

“I just knew that this was the best place for me. I’m super happy here,” Carey said. “My coaches are the best people for me. They take care of me in and outside the gym.”

What was Carey’s favorite moment in Paris?

“I think I’ve got to say winning team gold,” she said, which set off a loud crowd roar.

Carey spoke for about 10 minutes, then was whisked away with a police escort. But many of her words made it clear Beaver fans were part of her Olympics journey, which Brian Carey echoed.

“It takes a village to get it done,” Brian Carey said.

–Nick Daschel can be reached at 360-607-4824, ndaschel@oregonian.com or @nickdaschel.

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