The U.S. women appear likely to secure six spots for gymnasts to compete in the Tokyo Olympics after Jade Carey announced she plans to accept an individual spot.
The Americans faced the possibility of competing with fewer than the maximum number of gymnasts if Carey made the four-person team and declined a nominative spot she secured through individual event World Cup competitions.
Carey, 21, announced on Instagram on Tuesday night that she planned to accept that spot once it is officially offered to her, though she heads to St. Louis to compete in U.S. Trials next week.
“My focus right now is preparing to compete at the Olympic Games in Tokyo and being able to contribute to Team USA in any way possible,” she wrote.
The United States faced the prospect of missing out on another spot – and expected medal opportunities – if Carey made the four-person team for Tokyo.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) in 2015 shrunk teams from five to four gymnasts, a change only in effect for the Tokyo Olympics. Countries had the opportunity to secure up to two “plus-one” spots.
