Image source: REUTERS
After a three-year wait, Jade Carey’s quest for redemption in the Olympic vault competition reached its climax at the Paris Games. Forced to go last in Saturday’s final, Carey faced immense pressure but delivered a stellar performance, securing a bronze medal.
In Tokyo, Jade Carey had been the top qualifier but a mistimed approach led to an aborted vault, leaving her in last place. Reflecting on her final in Paris, she shared, “I felt the pressure building. Going last after anticipating this for so long was tough. But I focused on staying calm and doing what I needed to do.”
Jade Carey’s first vault, a Cheng, was executed with precision, earning her a score of 14.733. For her second attempt, she opted for a safer vault, ensuring smooth execution. As the judges deliberated, Carey knew she needed an average score of over 14.216 from her two vaults to clinch the bronze. A score of 14.200 on her second vault brought her average to 14.466, securing her place on the podium.
“I knew I had done everything possible,” Jade Carey said. She finished behind only the world’s top vaulters, Simone Biles, who took gold, and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who earned silver.
The Paris Games began on a challenging note for the 24-year-old. As the reigning Tokyo floor exercise champion, Carey failed to qualify for the final after a stumble in her tumbling pass. She later revealed that she had been unwell and unable to eat for days before the competition.
Despite this setback, Jade Carey made a remarkable recovery, contributing to the U.S. team’s gold medal in Paris. Reflecting on her team’s success, she said, “It’s been incredible to bond and perform well together. We all sought redemption, and I think we’ve achieved it.”
Carey and Biles made history as the first two U.S. women to medal on vault at the same Olympics. Carey praised her teammate, saying, “Simone is a huge inspiration to me and so many others. Seeing her pave the way for the sport is incredible and inspiring. I’m lucky to compete alongside her.”
Carey’s journey from Tokyo to Paris is a testament to her resilience and determination, highlighting the spirit of Olympic competition.
