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

Just under 24 hours after returning from the 2024 Olympics in Paris, Oregon State’s Jade Carey visited her campus to commemorate her incredible medal achievements.

Around 1,000 attendees were present for the celebration, but Carey truly stole the show by sharing some exciting news.

“I’m excited to announce that I’m committed to the 2025 season,” Carey told the audience. “I look forward to continuing my competition journey, pushing my limits, and striving for excellence alongside my amazing team.”

It remains uncertain whether the 24-year-old will pursue college gymnastics further. Carey, a two-time Pac-12 gymnast of the year, earned silver in both all-around and floor exercises at the 2024 NCAA championships and is OSU’s most decorated gymnast.

“OSU means more than just a school to me. It’s my home, my family, and my strength,” Carey expressed.

After arriving in Corvallis on Wednesday night from Paris, where she was part of Team USA’s gold medal squad and secured a bronze on the vault, Carey was greeted by enthusiastic fans lining the streets outside Gill Coliseum and gathered in Parker Plaza near Reser Stadium, as she rode slowly by in the back of a pickup truck.

Following the parade, Carey, alongside her father and coach Brian, and Oregon State coach Tanya Chaplin, addressed the crowd.

“Bringing home a gold and a bronze is a dream come true,” Carey shared. “I’m truly thankful for all the love and support you’ve given me.”

When asked about her decision to return for her senior year and to train locally with the Beavers last season, especially after OSU’s recent upgrades to its gymnastics facility, Carey said, “I knew this was the best place for me. I’m really happy here, and my coaches are incredible—they support me both in and out of the gym.”

What was Carey’s standout moment in Paris?

“I have to say winning team gold,” she replied, eliciting a loud cheer from the crowd.

After speaking for around 10 minutes, she was escorted away by police, but her remarks underscored the significant role Beaver fans played in her Olympic journey—a sentiment echoed by her father, Brian.

“It takes a village to achieve this,” he said.