Coach Cecile Landi has seen her athletes reach the highest of highs and lowest of lows. After personally coaching Simone Biles for over half a decade, she played a pivotal part in helping the gymnast redeem herself in Paris. After her incredible Olympic success with Team USA, the Hall of Famer has returned to the roots, to foster a new generation of champions.

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Landi announced she would join the University of Georgia as co-head coach after the Games. While the move shocked some, one-half of the renowned Landi coaching duo found support from the likes of Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, and others. Earlier, the coach posted about her first day of a new chapter. “It was a good day. So happy to be finally in Athens” Cecile Landi wrote on her Instagram story, while sharing an exclusive glimpse of her new beginning with the Georgia Bulldogs.

“I will always see myself as Rebeca,” she affirms. The Brazilian gymnastics sensation, who has already made waves on the national stage, soared to new heights at the Paris Olympics 2024. After a breathtaking performance that saw her outshine the legendary Simone Biles in the floor exercise, Rebeca Andrade clinched the gold medal, solidifying her place among the gymnastics elite. But her achievements didn’t stop there—she also dazzled on the vault, securing a silver medal that elevated her alongside sailors Robert Scheidt and Torben Grael as one of Brazil’s most decorated Olympians

This victory marked a historic first for Rebeca Andrade, who triumphed over the legendary Simone Biles at the Olympics. It’s a momentous achievement, especially given how Biles’ towering presence has often overshadowed Andrade’s brilliance. In a world where Biles’ immense talent has been the main attraction, Andrade’s own remarkable skills have sometimes struggled to shine through. This win not only highlights Andrade’s exceptional talent but also signifies a shift in the spotlight, allowing her achievements to gleam more brightly.

Following Rebeca Andrade’s momentous victory, both she and Simone Biles have dominated headlines, their historic achievements sparking widespread admiration. But amidst all the glory, how does Biles’ towering presence impact Andrade’s determination? Does the overshadowing effect dim her own brilliance? To explore this, Andrade recently sat down for an intimate interview, offering a glimpse into her thoughts and feelings about navigating this high-profile spotlight.

In a recent conversation with Canal GB, the host posed a poignant question to Rebeca Andrade. Reflecting on the Paris Olympics, where the world’s gaze was intensely fixed on her and Simone Biles, the host inquired whether she could truly feel the weight of that global attention alongside Biles. In her response, Andrade acknowledged the intense scrutiny and anticipation from the global audience during the Paris Olympics, particularly regarding the spotlight on her and Simone Biles. “Oh I could feel it, yes, you know, but it was very peaceful for me, so it was very good, I was very happy because even with everything, world looking at me and creating that expectation, right?” Despite the pressure and high expectations, Andrade found a sense of calm and satisfaction. She embraced the attention and used it as motivation, reflecting positively on her experience.

She spoke of the constant anticipation from Brazilian fans and the intense competition. Despite the nerves and the potential for everything to go awry, Andrade managed to stay focused and centered, balancing her mind and body. “Especially the Brazilians wanting the medal and everything else, I was very calm during all the days of competition, I managed to control my head and my body, I managed to get into balance, that made me so happy because it’s so difficult isn’t it, for us to be able to keep our heads centered or control nervousness, our leg that shakes, you know, these are things that happen very quickly at a time when nothing can happen, nothing can go wrong, so I was very proud.” Her pride stems from mastering this difficult feat in such high-stakes moments.

Andrade acknowledged the intense spotlight she and Simone Biles shared during the competition, reflecting on how their performances drew the world’s gaze. “But I felt yes, all the stories focused on us and of course after we introduced ourselves to the other girls too, right, it was a huge competition,” she noted. She described the competition as monumental, emphasizing the grandeur of their shared stage and the significance it carried.

Yet, this intense spotlight doesn’t overshadow the genuine respect and camaraderie between them. Despite the global focus on their rivalry, their relationship remains untarnished by competition. The radiant light that illuminates their achievements never dims the mutual admiration they hold for one another, proving that their respect transcends the grandeur of the stage.

Rebeca Andrade and Simone Biles: Beyond the Spotlight

“Rebecca, she’s so amazing, she’s queen,” Simone Biles expressed after witnessing the historic all-Black podium at the Paris Olympics. Over the years, what began as fierce competition between these two extraordinary athletes has blossomed into a relationship built on mutual respect and genuine admiration. Their journey dates back to the 2016 Rio Olympics, where Biles and Andrade first crossed paths in competition. At the time, Biles dominated, while Andrade was still on the road to recovery from knee injuries. Biles clinched the women’s all-around title, leaving Andrade in 11th place—a moment that marked the beginning of their evolving rivalry and friendship.

Following the 2016 Olympics, Rebeca Andrade was hit hard by recurring knee injuries and even contemplated stepping away from gymnastics entirely in 2018, feeling disheartened by her inability to secure medals. It was at this crucial moment that Simone Biles extended a hand of encouragement and support. “She told me, ‘Don’t give up. You’re talented. And you’re going to get past this,’” Andrade shared, reflecting on how Biles’ words reignited her fighting spirit. Biles’ belief in Andrade’s potential became a beacon of hope, pushing her to stay in the game and ultimately transform setbacks into triumphs.

With Simone Biles’ encouragement lighting the way, Rebeca Andrade made a remarkable comeback, returning stronger than ever. Her resilience paid off when she secured the silver medal in the women’s all-around at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, while Biles claimed the gold. As their bond of friendship and unwavering support continues to grow, it’s clear that Andrade is untroubled by sharing the spotlight with the legendary Biles.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this inspiring friendship between Andrade and Biles beyond the competition floor. Do you think sharing the spotlight with Biles impacts Andrade, or does it only highlight the strength of their bond? Share your take on how their connection flourishes both on and off the mat!

Even the G.O.A.T of gymnastics, Simone Biles, isn’t immune to fear. In a cruel twist of fate, the Tokyo Olympics turned into a nightmare for the then-24-year-old superstar. Struck by the dreaded “twisties”—a gymnast’s worst enemy, where mid-air control is lost—Biles was forced to step back from nearly all her events, including the vault final. Her Olympic dreams were shattered, but in the back of her mind, she was already plotting her comeback.

Fast forward to 2024: Biles returned to the Olympic stage in Paris, determined not just to compete but to dominate. Now 27, she wasn’t just there to participate—she was there to win. And win she did, nailing the ‘Biles II’ in the vault final and securing yet another gold for Team USA. The Paris Olympics weren’t just a comeback; they were a statement. With four medals in hand, including three golds, Biles brought her Olympic tally to a jaw-dropping 11.

As the world watched in awe, Biles hinted that Paris might have been her swan song. When asked if this would be her last Olympic appearance, she didn’t entirely close the door. “Is this my last? Definitely the Yurchenko double pike. I mean, I kind of nailed that one. Never say never. The next Olympics is at home. So you just never know,” she said with a smile, leaving just a crack open for a possible return in 2028. But her words also hinted at the peace she’s found with possibly moving on, especially as she opened up about a lingering fear that still occupies her mind! And now she’s done it again!

Simone Biles took to social media and shared her thoughts on Threads to share a rare moment of vulnerability. She wrote, “Getting up and not having to think about doing a Yurchenko double pike is a blessing.” Coming from a gymnast who’s synonymous with perfection, it’s a candid peek into the pressures she’s faced. After years of pushing her body and mind to the brink, Biles is now contemplating a life where defying gravity isn’t on her daily to-do list.

The whole nation beams with pride at Biles’ eponymous vault, and the world watches in awe as she nails the six-second Yurchenko Double Pike. But here’s what many don’t realize: ‘Biles II’ is the toughest vault in women’s gymnastics. Back in 2021, Biles first pulled off the double pike Yurchenko in competition, gearing up to repeat it in Tokyo for Olympic gold—until everything unraveled!

The Yurchenko vault itself, named after Soviet gymnastics legend Natalie Yurchenko, is a beast. It demands a round-off onto the springboard, followed by a back handspring leading into the vault—zero room for error. Then Biles came along and added the ‘double,’ meaning she takes two flips in the air. And ‘pike’ refers to the body’s position during the jump, where the legs stay straight and the body folds—a move that significantly ups the difficulty score.

Biles’ setback in Tokyo likely fueled the fear she’s had about the Yurchenko Double Pike. But in 2024, she’s mastered it. The momentum she generates is so powerful that she often takes a step or two on landing. This vault, officially named after Simone Biles when she landed it at an international competition in 2023, is the highest-scoring vault in women’s gymnastics with a difficulty value of 6.4 points. That extra difficulty helps offset any fractions of a point lost from those tiny extra steps! But judging by her latest post, it seems the queen of American gymnastics might be putting this move on ice—especially as Simone Biles gears up for her Gold Over America Tour!

Simone Biles is set to leap from gold to millions on her GOAT Tour!

With seven Olympic golds under her belt, Simone Biles is gearing up for a new adventure: the Gold Over America Tour. Kicking off soon, this 30-day spectacle across Cleveland will see Biles leading the gold medal-winning women’s gymnastics team, along with an all-star lineup including Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera, and more. Even some fan favorites who didn’t make it to Paris, like Joscelyn Roberson and Katelyn Ohashi, are joining the fun. Sadly, Sunisa Lee and Team USA’s ‘Clark Kent,’ Stephen Nedoroscik, won’t be on the roster.

The tour is set to be a dazzling mix of sports and entertainment—think a gymnastics concert—where gymnasts showcase their athletic brilliance while delivering powerful messages of hope, strength, and resilience. Back in 2021, this tour was a smash hit—35 shows in 32 cities, over 182,000 tickets sold, and a whopping $19.3 million in the bank.

In 2017, Cecile Landi and her husband Laurent were looking to open their own gym. The two had coached at the World Olympics Gymnastics Academy since 2007 and wanted to take the next step in their career. It was at that time Simone Biles returned to training and needed new coaches. Cecile stepped up and joined the World Champions Centre, owned by Biles’ parents and for the next seven years became synonymous with the American gymnast and the WCC.

After guiding Simone Biles to four gold medals on her redemption tour, reviving a sleeping giant next on Cecile Landi’s list. But before she moves to Georgia, Landi paid a surprise visit to her second home, the World Champions Centre in Texas.

During her tenure at WCC, Cecile’s work with Biles, Jordan Chiles, Joscelyn Roberson, and many others was a testament to her coaching skills. Under her mentorship, US gymnasts stamped their authority on the world with the highlight being the recently concluded Paris Olympics. Her connection with those at the gym was clear to see when she first talked about moving to Georgia in June.

I don’t want to think about it, but I don’t think I can do any better than the group I have. So I think it’s a good time for me to move on,” she said. Well, she is moving on, but not before a detour to WCC.

On Tuesday, on her Instagram story, Landi shared a photo of her back at WCC, with the caption, “Back for a few days .” A second story revealed her emotions after catching up with some of the young athletes at WCC. The caption read, “Such a pléasure to catch up and have lunch with these young ladies ♥️ Thank you for making the trip! Love you all ”

Landi’s association with WCC will be best remembered for the high standards she brought to the mat. Paris Olympics were particularly poignant, as it was Landi’s last appearance with the American women’s gymnastics team. She went out on a high note, as the US team, including her mentees Simone Biles and Jordan, clinched gold in the team final, with Biles grabbing further three medals, including two golds. But now she has a different challenge on her hands, one that sees her take up the co-head coach role at the University of Georgia.

Georgia has been going through a lull after winning five consecutive national championships in college gymnastics between 2005-2009. However, since those heady days, they haven’t added to their 10 titles, with last season’s failure to qualify for the NCAA Championships meet, resulting in the dismissal of Courtney Kupets Carter after seven years.

Moving to Georgia, Cecile Landi will be taking up the mantle of co-head coach along with Ryan Roberts. While Cecile will be training the Georgia girls to become potential champions, her husband, Laurent Landi, will remain at the World Champions Center until their daughter completes high school.

And while Cecile Landi has an endless list of accolades to vouch for, one of her biggest accomplishments is training Simone Biles in her darkest phase.

Cecile Landi helped Biles overcome Tokyo disappointment

After Cecile Landi took up the coaching of Simone Biles in 2017, she won World titles in 2018 and 2019 and things seemed to working great. But the Tokyo Olympics saw Biles experience twisties as she withdrew from the team final and individual all-around. With Biles losing confidence in herself, Landi was there to counsel her as she returned to take the bronze in the balance beam.

The process of rebuilding Biles’ belief continued under Cecile, as she won the World Championship gold in 2023, before a dominant performance in Paris.

While speaking about her experience working with Simone Biles, the 44-year-old described the US gymnastics queen as “She’s calm, she laughs, she’s back to her sometimes goofy self that we had missed a few times…She has a few tools that are personal to her, which help her stay calm and remember why she’s here and how to think positively,” during the US Olympic Trials.

Biles, too, supported Cecile Landi through and through during her tenure at the WCC. According to Cecile, Biles was the first person to congratulate her on her new job, saying, “I’m so happy for you. You need to go.”

Thus, leaving behind happy memories, it now remains to be seen what magic Cecile Landi creates with her impeccable coaching skills in Georgia.