In a remarkable display of determination and skill, Jade Carey, alongside her coach and father, Brian Carey, secured the third Olympic medal of her career in the vault event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The road to this accomplishment was filled with ups and downs, but Carey's unwavering commitment to her gymnastics career proved to be the key to her success.

Carey, aged 24, has dedicated a significant portion of her life to the sport of gymnastics. Together with her coach, they meticulously planned her training sessions on a massive desk calendar, carefully noting them in pencil to emphasize the need for flexibility in adapting to unforeseen circumstances. However, the dates of the competitions were marked in pen, and among them, the Olympic vault final held a special place in Carey's heart, as she had memorized it long before.

The memory of a stumble in the same event during the Tokyo Olympics three years ago haunted Carey. Determined to prove herself and avoid a repeat, she set her sights on the Olympics in Paris. On the highly anticipated day of the vault final, Carey left no room for doubt. Despite battling a stomach virus that had affected her fluid intake earlier in the Games, Carey displayed incredible focus and nailed two remarkable vaults, securing a well-deserved third-place finish.

For Carey, this victory holds significant meaning beyond just winning a medal. It symbolizes redemption for the stumble she experienced in Tokyo. Reflecting on this achievement, Carey expressed her relief and joy, stating, "We've been waiting for this day for a long time, and it was one of my biggest moments to get back here. I wanted to be able to prove myself that I can do two vaulting finals and walk away with a medal."

Carey's average score of 14.466 on her two vaults would have placed her even higher up on the podium in a different era. However, competing in the same era as the indomitable Simone Biles, Carey recognizes the immense talent of her teammate and draws inspiration from her. Despite not reaching the top spot, Carey acknowledges the significance of winning an Olympic medal, an accomplishment that surpasses her previous triumph as a world champion on the vault in 2022.

Following the Tokyo Olympics, Carey made the decision to attend Oregon State, where she discovered the perfect balance between participating in a team atmosphere and maintaining her elite gymnastics skills. This served as a testament to her adaptability and showcased her ability to thrive in different environments.

Jade Carey's journey to redemption and her remarkable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics have solidified her place as a talented and resilient athlete. As she continues to make her mark in the world of gymnastics, the significance of this bronze medal will forever be etched in her memory - a poignant reminder of her unwavering determination and the heights she can achieve.