U.S. gymnast Jade Carey’s favourite Olympic memory doesn’t involve standing atop the podium. It’s not taking the team gold at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, nor when she struck gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021 in the women’s floor final. Though, that she says was, “the best thing ever.” No, Carey’s most treasured moment happened off the field of play, away from the bright lights and draining training days leading up to competition.
“I remember when everything was happening with Simone [Biles in Tokyo], and I was maybe going into the all-around final. I was freaking out because I’d never done anything like that before,” Carey told Olympics.com in an exclusive interview. “Simone came to my room and was like, ‘Hey, I can’t do this, but you can.’ “That was just a really powerful moment for me because I knew how much she was going through and for her to still come over and be like, ‘You got this,’ meant a lot to me because I can only imagine how hard it was for her to have to sit that out,” Carey continued. “That’s something I’ll always remember.”
Sometimes, all it takes is a single sentence to change someone’s life. In the high-stakes world of Olympic gymnastics, that sentence came from none other than Simone Biles. And the person who caught it like a spark catching fire? Jade Carey. This is the story of belief, resilience, and how the quietest voice in the room can echo the loudest on the world’s biggest stage.
Who Is Jade Carey?
The Underdog with a Silent Roar
Jade Carey might not have been the household name that Simone Biles was, but make no mistake—she was already a powerhouse. Known for her explosive floor routines and elite-level skills, Carey had clawed her way to the Olympics through grit, perseverance, and relentless hard work.
But even champions get shaky knees sometimes.
Simone Biles – The GOAT Who Stepped Back
When Strength Means Saying “No”
In Tokyo, Simone Biles made headlines not just for her routines, but for stepping away from competition to focus on her mental health. That decision stunned the world—but it also opened doors.
For Jade Carey, it was both a challenge and an opportunity.
The Moment That Changed It All
“You’ve Got This” – Simple Words, Powerful Impact
When Biles pulled out of the final, she didn’t just disappear. She became a mentor. A guiding voice. And for Jade Carey, who was now thrust into the limelight, Simone’s words mattered more than ever.
“Believe in yourself.” That’s what Biles told her.
Four words. But they carried the weight of gold.
Belief Over Fear
Fighting Nerves, Embracing Opportunity
Imagine this: You’re in Tokyo. The world is watching. You weren’t expecting to compete in this event—but here you are. Jade Carey could’ve folded under the pressure.
Instead, she channeled that energy. She remembered Biles’ words. She believed.
The Gold Medal Performance
Owning the Moment on the Floor
Jade Carey didn’t just compete. She dominated.
Her floor routine was electric—clean, powerful, full of heart. The crowd knew it. The judges knew it. And somewhere nearby, Simone Biles was smiling.
How Mentorship Impacts Mental Strength
More Than Just Gymnastics
This wasn’t just about flipping and tumbling. This was about mindset. About transferring belief from one athlete to another.
Simone Biles gave Jade Carey something no coach could: emotional permission to shine.
The Ripple Effect of Encouragement
Why Words Matter in High-Pressure Moments
Encouragement is contagious. Jade Carey isn’t the first athlete to be lifted by another’s faith in her—but her story reminds us that mental toughness often begins with someone saying, “I see greatness in you.”
What We Can Learn From Jade Carey’s Moment
Lessons for Everyone, Not Just Athletes
You don’t need to be an Olympian to benefit from this story. We’ve all been Jade Carey at some point—filled with doubt, overwhelmed by pressure.
Sometimes, we just need a Simone Biles in our corner.
Simone Biles – Still Leading From the Sidelines
Greatness Is More Than Medals
In Tokyo, Biles didn’t win all the medals—but she may have won something more powerful: respect as a leader, mentor, and mental health advocate.
Her impact? Undeniable.
The Legacy of That Moment
More Than Just a Gold Medal
Jade Carey’s win wasn’t just her own. It was shared—by her team, by her country, and by the woman who told her she could do it.
This wasn’t just gymnastics. This was a legacy.
Empowerment in Sports and Beyond
The Role of Support in Success
Behind every great moment is a team, a voice, a mentor. Simone Biles played that role to perfection in Tokyo.
Her simple words became a foundation Jade Carey could stand on.
A Win for Women in Sports. Female Empowerment at Its Best. This moment wasn’t just about sports. It was a powerful symbol of women uplifting women, of mental strength over fear, of passing the torch—not because one had to, but because one chose to.
Jade Carey Today – Still Carrying the Message
Believing in Herself, Inspiring Others
That message—“Believe in yourself”—didn’t just help Carey win gold. It became her mantra.
And now, she’s paying it forward to the next generation.
Final Thoughts – The Power of One Sentence
But Simone Biles knew better. And Jade Carey listened.
Conclusion
In Tokyo, something extraordinary happened—and it wasn’t just about medals or routines. It was about belief. About one of the greatest athletes of all time stepping aside and lifting someone else up.
Simone Biles urged Jade Carey to believe in herself. And she did. She believed so hard, she flew higher than anyone expected—straight to the top of the podium.
That’s not just a win for gymnastics. That’s a win for all of us.
