American gymnast Jade Carey recently paid tribute to tennis star Coco Gauff by wearing an oversized jacket that featured a memorable line from Gauff’s victory speech at the 2023 US Open. Gauff, who claimed her second Grand Slam title at the 2025 French Open, responded warmly to Carey’s gesture on social media, celebrating the connection between the two athletes. This tribute highlights Gauff’s resilience and the inspiration she has provided beyond the tennis court.
Carey’s Gymnastics Journey and Recent Achievements
After finishing fourth at the 2025 NCAA Championships, Jade Carey has been enjoying some downtime while continuing to solidify her legacy. Despite not clinching gold at the event, she earned the prestigious AAI Award, becoming the first Oregon Beaver to do so since Chari Knight in 1994. Carey has also been promoting her partner brand, GK Elite, and spending quality time with her girlfriend, Aimee Sinacola. Her connection to Gauff’s words reflects a shared spirit of determination and overcoming challenges.
The Significance of Gauff’s Victory Speech Line Featured on Carey’s Jacket
The quote that adorned Carey’s jacket was:
“Thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me.”
This statement was Gauff’s opening message during her speech after winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, directly addressing those who doubted her. Carey’s use of this powerful line symbolizes mutual respect between the athletes and inspiration they draw from one another’s perseverance and success.
Gauff’s Response and Recent Competitive Highlights
Gauff expressed affection for Carey’s post on Instagram, writing, “aww I love”. Earlier in 2025, Gauff had a challenging run at the Australian Open, exiting at the quarter-final stage. However, she bounced back impressively at the French Open by defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in straight sets, demonstrating her continued growth and resolve on the tennis circuit.
Jade Carey’s Dedication to Collegiate Gymnastics Amid Olympic Year
Competing for the Oregon Beavers since 2021, Carey has earned numerous accolades including Pac-12 Gymnast of the Year and Freshman of the Year in the 2021-22 season. Throughout her NCAA career, she collected four silver and two bronze medals at the national championships, with her latest medal coming from the balance beam event in 2025. As she approaches her final college season before retirement, Carey has emphasized her commitment to her team above all else.
“This year I haven’t had the Olympics in the back of my mind 24-7. I’ve just been able to think about and enjoy the whole process and the season. I was able to give more to college gymnastics and to my teammates than I’ve ever been able to do before. I think that’s really what’s ultimately led me to where I am this year and allowed me to have a lot of fun.” —Jade Carey, via ESPN
Olympic Success and Future Prospects for Jade Carey
Carey’s elite gymnastics career includes winning the floor exercise gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, as well as contributing to the team gold and earning vault bronze at the Paris Olympics. Her focus on college gymnastics this season reflects a strategic balance during an Olympic year, allowing her to excel both individually and as a teammate.