After the gymnastics Olympic team size shrank to four team members, Jade Carey decided to take a different route towards booking her ticket to Tokyo. Following a new qualification method through the International Gymnastics Federation's apparatus World Cup series, she will be competing at the Games as an individual gymnast.
As part of our preparation for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, NBC Olympics sent questionnaires to a wide range of athletes to learn more about their lives on and off the field of play.
Here’s some of what we found out about Jade Carey:
What is your earliest memory of gymnastics?
I have been in gymnastics for as long as I can remember. My parents owned a gym when I was born so I was always in the gym playing. I love the feeling of learning new skills and flying through the air.
How have your parents influenced your gymnastics career?
My parents have been very influential. They were both gymnasts when they were kids and are both coaches now. My dad coaches me.
How much time do you train?
Since I am currently not in school right now my daily schedule has been way different to what I’ve been used to my whole life. Now, I typically wake up around 8 or 9 a.m., eat breakfast and just do any type of things I need to get done. I go to the gym around 12 or 1 p.m. and train till around 5 or 7 p.m. depending on what I need to get done.
What is your favorite quote?
My favorite inspirational quote is “Seek what sets your soul on fire.”
Do you have a nickname?
Jaderade. It was given to me at gym one day when I was younger.
When was your breakthrough moment?
After the 2017 World Championships is when I had my breakthrough moment. Winning silver on vault and floor really boosted my confidence and made me realize the Olympics is something I could go for.