Simone Biles Bids Heartfelt Farewell to Coach Cecile Landi: ‘It’s Not Goodbye, It’s See You Later’ After 7 Years at WCC

Cecile Landi, the esteemed coach of Olympic champion gymnast Simone Biles, is embarking on a new chapter in her coaching career.

After seven successful years at the World Champions Centre (WCC), Landi is set to take on the role of co-head coach at the University of Georgia. Her departure marks the end of an era for WCC, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of the most prominent gymnasts in the world, including Simone Biles.

Simone Biles, widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time, took to Instagram to share her feelings about Landi’s departure. In a heartfelt Instagram story, Biles expressed her gratitude and admiration for her coach, who has been an integral part of her journey to becoming the most decorated female gymnast in U.S. history. Biles shared a photo of herself with Cecile and Laurent Landi, accompanied by the words, “End of an era. It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later.”

Cecile Landi’s Journey at WCC

Cecile Landi joined the World Champions Centre in 2017, a year after the facility was opened to the public by Simone Biles’ family. Prior to her tenure at WCC, Landi had spent a decade at the World Olympic Gymnastics Academy (WOGA) from 2007 to 2017. Her expertise and experience quickly made her a key figure at WCC, where she was instrumental in the development of gymnasts like Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and Joscelyn Roberson.

Landi’s impact on U.S. gymnastics extends beyond her work at WCC. She has also served as a coach for USA Gymnastics, contributing to the success of the women’s gymnastics team on the international stage. One of her most notable assignments was at the Paris Olympics, where she represented the U.S. as one of the main coaches for the women’s gymnastics team.

A Legacy of Success

Under Cecile Landi’s guidance, Simone Biles continued to elevate her already illustrious career. At the 2023 World Championships held in Antwerp, Belgium, Biles won five medals, including four golds, further cementing her status as the most decorated female gymnast in history. Landi’s coaching played a crucial role in Biles’ preparation and performance, showcasing her ability to bring out the best in her athletes.

The Paris Olympics in 2024 was a defining moment for both Landi and Biles. The event marked Landi’s final assignment as Biles’ coach, as well as a significant test for Biles, who had set the gymnastics world alight with her performance at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Despite the immense pressure, Biles delivered another stellar performance, winning gold in the team all-around event alongside teammates Jordan Chiles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera. This victory not only secured yet another Olympic gold for Biles but also made her the most decorated Olympic gymnast in U.S. history, surpassing Shannon Miller’s record with her eighth Olympic medal.

But Biles wasn’t finished. She went on to win the individual all-around event, becoming the most decorated American female gymnast of all time. Her gold in the individual vault event further added to her collection, though she experienced a rare disappointment on the balance beam, finishing in fifth place.

Simone Biles

The floor exercise event, however, proved to be the most dramatic. Simone Biles, known for her exceptional floor routines, had to settle for the silver medal as Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade took gold. The event was further complicated by a controversy surrounding the bronze medal. Initially, Jordan Chiles, who finished fifth, had her scores upgraded after an appeal, temporarily placing her in the bronze medal position ahead of Romania’s Ana Barbosu. However, following a protest by the Romanian authorities, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reviewed the appeal and reinstated Barbosu as the bronze medalist, overturning the revised results.

The Future for Cecile Landi

As Cecile Landi moves on to her new role at the University of Georgia, she leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication at WCC. Her influence on the gymnasts she coached, particularly Simone Biles, is immeasurable. Landi’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter, but it also signals the beginning of a new journey that promises to be just as impactful.

For Simone Biles, the transition will undoubtedly be an emotional one. The bond between a gymnast and their coach is unique, built on trust, respect, and countless hours of hard work. While Biles’ message on Instagram may have been brief, it spoke volumes about the depth of her gratitude and the strong connection she shares with Cecile Landi. “It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later,” Biles wrote, reflecting the hope that their paths may cross again in the future.

As Landi prepares to take on her new role, the gymnastics community will be watching with great interest. Her new position at the University of Georgia presents an exciting opportunity to shape the next generation of gymnasts, and there is little doubt that Landi will bring the same passion, skill, and dedication that she demonstrated at WCC.

In the meantime, the legacy of her time at the World Champions Centre, particularly her work with Simone Biles, will continue to inspire gymnasts and coaches alike for years to come.