When Cecile Landi first set foot in the World Champions Center in 2017, she carried with her the fiery determination of someone with something to prove. Leaving behind her beloved France, Cecile, alongside her husband Laurent, revolutionized the world of gymnastics. Their journey wasn’t just about coaching; it was about creating legends. The echoes of naysayers who doubted her only fueled her passion, transforming her into a legendary coach.
Training icons like Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles, Cecile’s touch turned dreams into reality. But now, as the Paris 2024 Olympics draw to a close, Cecile faces a bittersweet farewell to the WCC. This Olympics is her last before she takes on the role of co-head coach at Georgia University. Amidst the grandeur of the closing ceremony, Cecile couldn’t help but feel a lump in her throat. Her heart swelled with nostalgia, especially as she watched not only her protégés but also her own daughter compete, representing France in diving. “It’s really insane… so I’m trying not to cry,” she confessed, the emotions nearly overwhelming her.
The journey at the WCC has been nothing short of magical for Cecile. Reflecting on her time there, she described it as the golden era of her life. She fondly recalled the camaraderie among the gymnasts, their unwavering support for each other, and their shared drive to excel. “They’re good kids—all together, cheering for each other, wanting the best,” she remarked, highlighting the family-like bond she helped foster
When Cecile Landi took up the coaching of Simone Biles, she was already a star. Thus, the primary challenge for Cecile was to make Biles evolve. In her quest of doing so, Cecile Landi got rid of all the gymnastics stereotypes first. For example, Simone Biles did not fit into the societal-set standards of a ‘beautiful gymnast.’ Thus, Cecile adjusted and accommodated her accordingly. The 45-year-old never, for once, tried to force things upon Biles or fit her in a mould.
And the result? Well, even after getting a heartbreak in Tokyo, Cecile Landi managed to work her way through and get Biles back on the all-around pinnacle in Paris. She also trained Jordan Chiles, who is being touted as the next big thing in US gymnastics after Biles. Not only did she help Team USA win the gold medal, but Cecile Landi’s coaching also helped her win a bronze medal, which was later controversially, scrapped. Unfortunately, it was none other than Cecile Landi who was blamed for a mix-up.
The curious case of Cecile Landi’s 4-second delay
Jordan Chiles was elated when her inquiry was granted and was awarded a 13.766 score on the floor. Afterall, this resulted in her toppling the Romanian Ana Barbosu, who was, till now, sitting pretty at the third position with 13.700. Well, what happened was that Jordan Chiles, after completing her floor routine as the last participant, was awarded a score of 13.666. However, this did not sit well with her team, and they submitted an inquiry to reinstate Chiles’ difficulty rating.
After the judges granted her wish and awarded a .1 score to Chiles, Ana Barbosu’s dreams were shattered. However, following the conclusion of the games, Team Romania appealed against the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sports and managed to get the decision overturned. It was discovered that Cecile Landi, who was the legitimate member from Team USA to submit an inquiry, was 4 seconds late.
As per the rules of IOC, a team can submit an inquiry anytime after one participant has finished a routine and before another one starts theirs. However, for the last participant, which was the case for Jordan Chiles, the time was stifled down to within 1 minute from the score displayed. This confusion might be the cause for Cecile Landi to be 4 seconds late in her appeal. However, in a fresh angle added to the chapter, Team USA has submitted video evidence about the inquiry being lodged within the stipulated 1-minute mark.
Thus, with triumph and controversy both following Cecile Landi, her plate is surely brimming with happiness and thrill to have been a part of the golden adventure. As she moves on to her next journey, Cecile Landi would look to write yet another chapter of coaching greatness that will pave her way into the league of coaching immortals.
