It was the "hard launch" that basically stopped the gymnastics world in its tracks. In March 2025, Jade Carey—the woman with nerves of steel and two Olympic gold medals—shared something far more personal than a podium photo. She posted a carousel on Instagram that didn’t just show off her life; it introduced her girlfriend, Aimee Sinacola, to millions of followers.
Honestly, the post was surprisingly simple.
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The caption read "happy," followed by a string of emojis: a white heart, a lock and key, sparkles, and a love letter. No long-winded manifesto. No defensive explanation. Just a series of photos including a mirror selfie and a shot of Aimee giving Jade a piggyback ride while Jade brandished her gold medal from the Paris 2024 Games. It was a vibe. It was authentic. And for the first time, Jade Carey was speaking publicly about her sexuality.
How Jade Carey Announced Her Relationship With Aimee Sinacola on Instagram
When Jade Carey announced her relationship with Aimee Sinacola on Instagram, she wasn't just sharing a dating update. She was coming out. For an athlete who has spent years in the spotlight known for her quiet focus and "robotic" precision on vault, this was a massive moment of vulnerability.
The timing was interesting too.
Carey had just finished a historic run at the Paris Olympics, where she helped Team USA reclaim gold and snagged an individual bronze on vault. By the time the post went live on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, she was back in the swing of her senior year at Oregon State University. It felt less like a PR move and more like someone who was just tired of keeping a good thing a secret.
The comments section immediately turned into a who’s who of gymnastics royalty. Simone Biles was one of the first to chime in, calling the couple "freaking cuuuuuute." Jordan Chiles added a "Periodt!!!!" while Suni Lee called them "angels." Even the official USA Gymnastics account jumped in, writing that they were "always applauding your authenticity."
Who exactly is Aimee Sinacola?
If you follow college sports, the name might have rung a bell. Aimee Sinacola isn't a gymnast, but she’s very much in that world. She serves as the Director of Creative Content for the University of Oregon’s athletics department.
Wait.
If you know the Pacific Northwest, you know the "Civil War" rivalry. Jade is a star for the Oregon State Beavers. Aimee works for the Oregon Ducks. It’s a classic cross-school romance that fans found hilarious. Beyond her job, Aimee is a former Division I athlete herself, having played soccer at Liberty University. She gets the grind. She understands what it's like to live under the pressure of a stopwatch or a scoreboard.
In her own Instagram stories following the announcement, Aimee reposted the photos with a simple "ILY." She also shared a message from a friend that hit on why this mattered so much: "Representation and visibility are so important. Sport will always be a catalyst for change and inclusion."
The Impact on the Gymnastics Community
Gymnastics hasn't always been the easiest place to be out. For decades, the sport demanded a very specific, almost fairy-tale image of its female athletes. But the "Golden Girls" era—the 2024 Olympic team—changed the rules.
They are older. They are louder. They are more themselves.
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When Jade Carey announced her relationship with Aimee Sinacola on Instagram, she became part of a growing movement of elite gymnasts who refuse to separate their personal identities from their professional ones. Think about it. We’re talking about a woman who has competed in two Olympics and won seven Pac-12 titles. Seeing someone of that caliber be so nonchalant about her queer identity is huge for younger kids in the sport who feel like they have to hide who they are to be taken seriously.
Not just a "social media moment"
It’s easy to dismiss a "hard launch" as just another celebrity trend. But for Jade, it felt like a final piece of a puzzle. In interviews throughout late 2024 and early 2026, she’s talked a lot about how collegiate gymnastics at Oregon State helped her "fall back in love" with the sport. It brought her out of her shell.
You can see that evolution in her gymnastics, too. She’s performing with more joy. There’s a lightness there that wasn't as visible during the high-stress Tokyo cycle.
What’s Next for Jade and Aimee?
As of early 2026, the couple seems to be doing great. Jade is wrapping up an incredible collegiate career. She’s already one of the most decorated gymnasts in Oregon State history, with dozens of event titles and perfect 10s.
Aimee continues to crush it in the creative world at UO. While they haven't flooded our feeds with every single detail of their lives—Jade is still pretty private, after all—the occasional "life lately" post usually features a cameo of the two of them.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Supporters
If you're looking to support athletes like Jade or just stay informed about the shifting culture of the sport, here’s the best way to do it:
- Follow the work, not just the gossip. Jade is a powerhouse on vault and floor. Support her NCAA meets and professional appearances because of her talent.
- Respect the boundaries. Just because she shared her relationship doesn't mean she owes the public every detail of her private life.
- Advocate for inclusive spaces. Support organizations that promote LGBTQ+ visibility in sports, ensuring that the next generation of gymnasts feels as comfortable as Jade does today.
Jade Carey’s story isn't just about medals anymore. It’s about a 24-year-old woman who reached the top of her game and decided that the view was better when she could be her 100% authentic self.