USA Gymnastics welcomed many of the nation's top women's artistic gymnasts to its national team camp in May. But one big Olympic name was missing from the lineup: Jade Carey.

The camp was part of the national team program and saw 27 athletes participating. The main early-season meet was a qualifier for the 2026 Pan American Gymnastics Championships.

There were several other elite gymnasts there, but Carey was not on the roster, even though she announced that she was returning to gymnastics.

The Olympic gold medalist is expected to compete at next month's American Classic as part of their comeback season. She appeared to be at a friend’s bachelorette party over the weekend, sharing photos from the party on social media.

Many of the biggest names in the American program went through the camp or Pan American selection process, and the immediate absence of Carey was felt.

Senior athletes in attendance included Skye Blakely, Leanne Wong, Joscelyn Roberson, and Hezly Rivera. And, over the weekend, a number of athletes competed for spots in the Pan American Championship.

The camp showcased the depth of the U.S. women’s program as gymnasts continue to push for international opportunities. From the camp, Simone Rose, Claire Pease, Lila Richardson, and Greta Krob were selected for the Pan American Championships team.

Prospects including Espy Chang, Vivi Crain, and Sydney Williams took part in the selection event on the junior side. The national team camp was also a time for coaches and officials to view routines, conditioning, and readiness.

Carey’s comeback remains very much a calculated one. “I’m doing things differently,” the 25-year-old said recently of her return to top-level competition after nearly two years away.

Her next likely appearance in the American Classic may offer more clues as to where she stands physically as she heads into the second half of the season.

U.S. Program Continues Building Depth Ahead of LA 2028

Even without Carey, the American women’s gymnastics pipeline showed its depth in the May camp. The senior field remains dominated by veterans like Leanne Wong and Skye Blakely, but new names are starting to bubble up through national camps and international selection events.

The camp also got a glimpse at just how fierce the competition has become for assignments within USA Gymnastics. With LA 2028 around the corner and a few Olympic veterans still in the mix, competition for spots on the national team should pick up over the next two years.

The return of Carey at the American Classic this summer is likely to be one of the most closely followed storylines of the season.

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Written by

Chitrak Mukherjee

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi