‘We Will Miss You’: Simone Biles’ Former Coach Pens Heartfelt Note as Incredible Journey Comes to an End
They say it’s about the journey, and not the destination. Lucky for Simone Biles, both of these have been incredible for her. The gymnastics GOAT has spent a significant part of her life at the World Champions Centre, putting in the hours to perfect her skills, the results of which have been evident to the world at several Olympic Games. But these stupendous achievements were also a testament to the prowess of the people who helped guide the way. But all good things come to an end.
In her Instagram story from December 10, Biles’ former coach Cecile Landi shared an emotional message as her husband Laurent exits from the iconic gym. Cecile left the gymnastics training center months ago and is currently the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs. Now, with her husband also on his way out, the Landis’ time at the WCC has officially ended, and the former French Olympian is having a bittersweet moment.
“We had 7 amazing years at WCC,” she wrote in the recent social media update, highlighting how working with Simon has been incredible. Ever since the Landis joined the WCC in 2017, they’ve watched Biles blossom into the world’s best gymnast, with other stars like Jordan Chiles joining along the way. Cecile shared the original post of the official WCC Insta account, which also noted its emotions as Laurent looks ahead to the future.
“Farewell to Coach Laurent! You will be greatly missed at WCC. Lots of laughs and tears were shed as WCC is so grateful for the dedication,” reads the caption of the OG post, and Cecile also felt the sadness. “We will miss you,” wrote Landi in her IG update, as she noted her gratefulness for being able to be a part of the exhilarating ride. She also thanked all the athletes, staff, and the owners of the establishment for their continued support in the Landis’ endeavors.
The WCC is owned by Simone Biles’ parents: Ron and Nellie. Understandably, having such an infrastructure at her disposal almost warranted the Houston native’s success in her career. But Cecile and Laurent have also achieved incredible success there as they guided Team USA to triumph at several national and international events. However, the support has been mutual, to say the least!
Simone Biles returns the favor in every possible way
The Landis were reputed coaches even before they crossed paths with the gymnastics phenom. Laurent and Cecile’s coaching journey began back in France but shifted their base to the US in 2004. After a few years of finding the right place to set up shop, the couple settled down at WOGA Gymnastics in Texas in 2007. Under their able guidance, Alyssa Baumann bagged gold at the 2014 World Championships, proving the Landis’ abilities as skilled coaches. When they saw Simone making the sport look beautiful at the 2016 Rio Games, it wasn’t a difficult decision to move again to begin their titular collaboration with the latter.
Cecile’s vehement support for Biles has been one of the main reasons for the latter’s impeccable track record as an artistic gymnast. “An athlete like Simone would never have reached her full potential in France. Because she would have been put aside because she didn’t fit that box,” Landi said about Simone, and the 7x Olympic gold medalist also hailed Cecile for her relentless cheers at every step of the way, saying, “They’ve helped me a lot not just in the gym but out of the gym, too.” It was with the help of the Landis that Biles mastered the Yurchenko Double Pike, as well as perfecting her eponymous skill, the Biles II.
When Landi was announced as the next head coach for the Bulldogs program, Simone was among the first people to encourage her to embark on the next big adventure. The Georgia team, although considered an NCAA powerhouse, hasn’t seen many high points in recent years, and Cecile was expected the change the situation. With years of experience together, Biles knew there was hardly anyone better for the job, and wrote on social media, “No one deserves this more.” Now that’s what we call rallying behind each other’s cause! Won’t you agree?
After Cecile’s new responsibility at Georgia was announced by the school in April, Nellie Biles mentioned that Laurent would continue to spearhead the training at WCC. With the two coaches being the head coaches for Team USA at multiple World Championships and Olympics, it was only logical to continue the partnership. Moreover, Laurent maintained a special stance on how to help the athletes soar, as he noted, “It’s not the athlete that needs to adjust to the coaches,” Laurent Landi said. “The coaches need to adjust to the athletes and the athlete’s abilities.”
Right after the Paris Games concluded, Biles shared a cryptic message online, that made many speculate that she was nearing her gymnastics career end. “End of an era. it’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later,” she wrote on IG, and many started scratching their heads. However, in retrospect, it could have been the parting message to hail her coach one more time before Cecile left the WCC to head to Georgia. And now, it remains to be seen what life has in store for Laurent as he turns his gaze beyond the WCC. What do you reckon will be his next big project? Tell us your predictions in the comments!
