Simone Biles’ Mentor Takes Flight: Cecile Landi Leaves Team USA for University of Georgia

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through the gymnastics world, Simone Biles’ longtime coach, Cecile Landi, is trading the national stage for the collegiate arena. The renowned coach is leaving Team USA to join the University of Georgia as co-head coach.

This unexpected move comes as a surprise to many, but it’s a decision that was evidently well-supported by Biles herself. In fact, it was the Olympic champion who encouraged Landi to take on this new challenge. The duo’s close bond and mutual respect have been a cornerstone of Biles’ unparalleled success.

Landi’s influence on Biles’ career cannot be overstated. She has been an unwavering pillar of support, guiding the young gymnast from a promising talent to a global icon. Beyond her technical expertise, Landi has been instrumental in fostering Biles’ mental resilience. Her empathy and understanding were evident during the Tokyo Olympics when she stood by her athlete’s decision to prioritize mental health over competition.

As Landi embarks on this new chapter, the gymnastics community is eager to see how her coaching philosophy will translate to the collegiate level. Her experience in nurturing elite athletes, coupled with her deep understanding of the pressures young gymnasts face, makes her a formidable addition to the University of Georgia’s coaching staff.

While this marks the end of an era for Biles and Landi, it’s also the beginning of an exciting new journey for both individuals. As Landi takes on the challenge of building a championship-caliber program at Georgia, Biles will undoubtedly continue to soar to new heights with the support of her team.

Image of Simone Biles and Cecile Landi