The Boulevard de Bercy in the 12th arrondissement of Paris was buzzing with excitement as A-list celebrities flocked to catch a glimpse of the American gymnastics queen, Simone Biles. Everyone from Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, and Nick Jonas to Bill Gates, Anna Wintour, and Snoop Dogg made their way to see the world’s most decorated gymnast in action. Biles is no stranger to being the star of the show, but even this seven-time Olympic gold medalist has her own moments of fangirling! That’s exactly what happened when her bestie, Jordan Chiles, introduced her to track and field legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce!

During their stay at the Olympic Village, Chiles and Biles spent a lot of time together. During one of their putting, the 23-year-old spotted Fraser-Pryce. “I was like, hey, Simone, there’s Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce,” Chiles told the three-time Olympian. However, she didn’t expect the eleven-time Olympic medalist to act the way she did. Biles seemed starstruck in Mommy Rocket’s presence.

“I’ve never seen Simone (Biles) get, so like, Whoa!” the gymnast revealed on the Chicks in the Office podcast. “Like, she’s right there,” the 27-year-old told Jordan Chiles as if she couldn’t believe her eyes. The two-time Olympic medalist revealed how unusual it felt to see the gymnastics GOAT act like a bubbly fan. “It’s the opposite” when people meet Biles, said Chiles.

However, the world championship gold medalist was glad she could introduce her BFF to the track and field icon. While Simone Biles may be the gymnastics GOAT, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is also among the all-time greats of sprinting. The eight-time Olympic medalist is the third-fastest woman in history, and Simone Biles couldn’t help but be in awe.

Jordan Chiles, who was also part of the conversation, said it was “really cool” to interact with the humble 37-year-old as cool. The fact that Paris 20204 was the Jamaican legend’s last Olympics only made the meeting even more special. Although Fraser-Pryce didn’t get her fairy tale ending thanks to an injury, her presence inspired the likes of Chiles, Biles, and many others.

In fact, Simeone Biles wasn’t the only athlete who gushed over the three-time Olympic gold medalist. Team New Zealand’s Michaela Blyde had a similar reaction to Biles when she met the track icon in the Olympic Village. However, the gymnastics icon from Texas was back to dazzling fans at home after her triumphant Olympic campaign.

The Simone Biles effect that Jordan Chiles is familiar with

During her appearance on the “Chicks in the Office” podcast, Jordan Chiles shared how she’s no stranger to seeing fans become starstruck in front of Simone Biles. And who could blame them? Even the U.S. men’s basketball team couldn’t resist being in awe when they took a courtside seat in Paris to watch Biles claim yet another Olympic gold. With stars like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker cheering her on, the NBA players were just as mesmerized as anyone, witnessing Simone’s mind-blowing routines up close.

Curry, capturing the action on his phone, summed it up perfectly: “To see that athleticism, the clutchness of Simone and Suni in that moment, knowing what they had to do and going out and doing it, was absolutely incredible. They are ridiculous to watch.” The whole team erupted with every flawless flip, celebrating as if they had just won a game themselves.

Durant echoed the sentiment, saying, “You see them getting medals, you want to do the same thing. Athletes inspire athletes, and greatness inspires greatness, brother.” It was clear the basketball squad was soaking in the energy, ready to channel it into their own pursuit of gold. But Simone’s star power didn’t stop there.

After Paris, she and fellow Olympian Gabby Thomas made a surprise appearance at a WNBA game, leaving the Indiana Fever athletes, including Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, in absolute awe. The team celebrated their victory with photos alongside the two Olympic icons, a moment they won’t soon forget.

While Chiles is used to seeing people go gaga over her bestie, even she could understand why Biles was left awestruck when meeting track legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce. With a career that kicked off with Olympic gold in 2008 and has seen Jamaica dominate the track ever since it’s no surprise that Simone Biles holds such deep respect for the trailblazing Fraser-Pryce!

After Simone Biles called for “justice” for Jordan Chiles over the Olympic bronze medal mix-up, it seems Biles isn’t hitting the brakes anytime soon. While Jordan’s bronze is on the brink of being returned, Simone keeps racking up the medals. She just grabbed four more at the Paris Olympics, and guess what? She’s added another one to her collection. It looks like all that hard work and a bit of luck are finally paying off. Most recently, MedalCount.com even gave her a shout-out, putting her name right at the top of their list.

Adria Biles recently stated that there is more to Simone Biles’ success than her sheer talent. Touted as the undisputed queen of women’s gymnastics, Simone Biles has been the athlete to watch in every major competition, including the Olympics. With a total of 7 Olympic gold medals, Simone Biles is undoubtedly a gifted talent. After the entire world wrote off gymnast Simone Biles, the 27-year-old rose from the ashes like a phoenix to reclaim her throne as the greatest.

However, behind the making of this great gymnast, many things have been going on. In an exclusive interview with Chris Osmond, Simone Biles’ younger sister Adria Biles was asked about the deciding factor behind her elder sister’s greatness. In response, she explained, “I think she is an alien yeah I’m like you’re a crazy like you’re a crazy human. I think that um and like given our circumstance growing up I kind of think about that sometimes because I’m like she had the talent but had she not been given the resources I don’t think she would be where she is so like obviously forever grateful for that.” 

Adria Biles further stated that Simone Biles and gymnastics were a perfect combination. Being inclined towards gymnastics right from her childhood made Simone develop a strong connection with the sport. And when she was encouraged to pursue along those lines, it was a perfect situation for the US gymnastics queen to thrive. Right from her childhood, Simone Biles received support from her parents, Ronald and Nellie Biles. In fact, looking at her zeal towards gymnastics, Nellie Biles risked her entire business to support little Simone. Simone’s mother, in order to keep Aimee Boorman as her coach, sold all of her 13 hospitals to build her an exclusive gym where Simone would train under Boorman’s watchful eyes. Thus, it is no wonder that Simone Biles, too, is always grateful to her parents.

Simone Biles thanks her parents for her success

Despite reaching the pinnacle of greatness, Simone Biles still prioritizes her family more than anything else. Having spent a significant portion of her childhood in foster care, the adoption of Nellie and Ronald Biles acted as a boon for Simone. Acknowledging her parents’ contributions to her success, Simone mentioned that getting adopted set her life on a much better route than what it would have followed had it not happened.

Extending her gratitude towards her parents, the gymnastics legend mentioned that none of her achievements would have been possible without her parents. Reflecting on the same, Simone Biles, in her Facebook Watch documentary, ‘Simone vs Herself’, said, “I feel like I wouldn’t be where I am unless that turning point happened. I would still be Simone Biles, probably not Simone Biles that everybody else knows, the world knows. But I also believe everything happens for a reason, and I’m forever grateful for that because I definitely got a second shot at life..” Thus, having gotten lucky to get two of the most supportive parents, Simone Biles did not waste an iota of opportunity and grabbed her second chance at life with both hands to emerge as one of the most decorated athletes of all time.

Adria Biles can’t get enough of hanging out with her superstar sister, Simone Biles, especially after the GOAT’s epic performance at the Paris Olympics, where Adria was one of her biggest cheerleaders. Working closely at the World Champions Centre (WCC), owned by their parents Ronald and Nellie Biles, Adria is more than just Simone’s little sister—she’s right there in the action, soaking up all the sisterly vibes. And before Paris? Adria was front and center, watching her sister perform magic at the gym, living every moment of that dream life.

On The Chris Osmond Show episode 6, Adria spilled the beans on her busy life at the gym. “I work at the gym, so my mom’s there all the time. Before Paris, my sister was training there every day, so I saw them too every day,” she said. As for her role? “I work at the front desk, deal with lovely people all day, and coach. I’m obsessed with my girls—I love them so much.” Clearly, Adria is the heart and soul of WCC, juggling her roles like a pro while enjoying every bit of family time.

Though she once gave gymnastics a go, Adria decided to step back from the sport at 17. The reason? Competing against Simone! According to the gymnastics queen herself, Adria got tired of always coming in second to her big sister and decided it was time to call it quits. Simone Biles said, “Whenever she went to competitions like ‘Oh, her sister always wins, she always wins, that’s not fair.’ So she quit.” But that doesn’t mean she’s lost her love for gymnastics.

As Simone Biles was gearing up to conquer Paris, Adria decided to have a little fun of her own. She posted a hilarious video attempting a standing full and other daring gymnastics moves in a foam pit at WCC, only to end up face-planting into the foam. Her split attempt? Let’s just say it ended with Adria exclaiming, “ow ow ow!” She wrapped it all up with a backward flick and a surprisingly flawless aerial, showing she’s still got some of that Biles magic.

Adria captioned the post, “You sure yall don’t need help in Paris? ” Clearly, she was proud of her attempts and wasn’t shy about showing off her playful side. Adria’s sense of humor is always on point, whether she’s goofing around at the gym or joking about being ‘jealous’ of Jonathan Owens!

Unlike Simone Biles, Adria wasn’t impressed by Jonathan Owens at first sight!

In a surprising twist, Adria Biles also told Chris Osmon how she wasn’t thrilled when Simone Biles tied the knot with Jonathan Owens. Growing up inseparable, Adria was pretty used to having Simone all to herself, so the idea of sharing her with someone else didn’t sit too well at first.

Adria admitted, “So when she met Jonathan I was not happy like I knew he was a good guy and I knew they were great but I was like you’re taking my time away from her. Like I felt so annoyed and so like to be honest me and him didn’t get along. I was just like being a brat.”

But fast forward to over a year since their marriage, and it’s clear there are no hard feelings. Adria was a bridesmaid at Simone’s wedding, and she’s since made peace with Jonathan Owens, even thanking him for loving Simone. Adria and Jonathan have teamed up to support the women’s gymnastics GOAT, proving that even with a little initial sibling rivalry, the bond between Adria and Simone remains unbreakable.

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.

Not everyone has the zeal to turn a debacle into a triumph. Algerian gymnast Kaylia Nemour definitely belongs to that exceptional pack. At the end of an ugly standoff with the French Gymnastics Federation. Kaylia earned the chance to represent her father’s birthplace, Algeria, in the Paris Olympics. The tug of war that kept the chances of her Olympic qualification hanging on the threads till the last moment could not crack her grit.

The 17-year-old stood atop the podium for her bar routine to bring Algeria its first-ever Olympic gold. “I am still a little shocked … It was my ultimate dream, years of work and hard work, details. I think it is really crazy and I am really honored to have been able to win this medal, its a first for me and for Algeria too. I hope I made them proud,” Kaylia had gleefully said. And surprisingly, Simone Biles played a role in her success.

In an exclusive interview with Olympics.com, Kaylia Nemour credited a pep talk from none other than 7-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles for helping her keep the pressure at bay. “Before each move, she’d say to me ‘You can do it, let’s go!’” Nemour said, recalling her time at the Bercy Arena, where the Olympic gymnastics competitions took place. Although she secured the fifth spot in the all-around competition, she seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed her time there.

She’d encourage me during and as soon as I’d finished, she’d give me a check and say ‘good job’. Frankly, the all-around was a great experience with all the great gymnasts, and I really enjoyed myself,” Nemour said. Not only behind the scenes, Simone was cheering for Nemour even during the uneven bars final. and why not? Look how flawless her routine was!

Nemour’s fluid routine had release move and transition after release move and transition, directly connected, and a skill named after her. The eponymous skill, dubbed as the ‘The Nemour’, is commonly known as an ‘inbar Nabieva’, which is a variation of the incredibly difficult ‘Nabieva’. It is a release move where her legs are piked between the arms. She had debuted the skill in the 2023 African Championships. In the Olympic uneven bars final, the routine brought her a whopping 15.7 with an incredible difficulty value of 7.2.

As Nemour stuck her landing on the mat, Simone, present at the Bercy Arena, was seen sporting a wide smile on her face while applauding her. Nemour’s performance was enough to make the reigning world champion on the bars Qiu Qiyuan of China settle for a silver (15,500) while the Tokyo Olympics bars bronze medalist Suni Lee for the third position (14.800) once again. However, just because she won a gold medal doesn’t mean Nemour is going to rest on her laurels.

Speaking about her plans, the Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt native revealed that her break was coming to an end. “I’m going to start training again, continue competing for my club and Algeria, hoping to go all the way to 2028,” the gymnast said in the interview. However, the uneven bar specialist hopes to improve by leaps and bounds in the next four years.

The upcoming LA Olympics may give Simone Biles and company the home advantage, but Nemour has plans of her own. “I can do something on the beam and in the all-around too,” revealed the France-born Algerian gymnast. Biles won gold in both the all-around and the balance beam in Paris, but Nemour evidently will aim to overturn the picture at LA 2028. Although Kaylia only envisions her rise from here, a little over a year ago, the picture was diagonally opposite, threatening even her participation in Paris.

France’s loss was Africa’s gain: Kaylia Nemour’s journey of defying the odds

Kaylia Nemour’s hiatus with the French Gymnastics Federation started back in 2021. Nemour was already making waves in the French gymnastics scenario by that time. In 2020 and 2021, Nemour beat her senior peers at several French events, while still a junior. In 2021, she won the national championship in the uneven bars. Around the same time, a directive from the French Gymnastics Federation came as a bolt from the blues for Nemour.

It said that all Olympic hopefuls had to train full-time under the umbrella of the National Institute of Sport, Expertise, and Performance either in Vincennes, a suburb of Paris or in St.-Étienne, in southeastern France. For Nemour, this meant leaving her hometown and her gym, the Avoine Beaumont Gymnastique, conveniently located just within a mile of her residence. She was happily training there under the watchful eyes of Marc and Gina Chirilcenco, who have churned out top gymnasts for nearly 30 years. So Nemour refused to adhere to it.

“My home is within walking distance from the gym. I’m really happy with my coaches. Why would I leave?” she argued. This planted the seed of the confrontation with the Federation. Amid this, one more incident made the matter worse.

In 2021, Nemour was diagnosed with advanced osteochondritis, an inflammation often linked to repetitive stress of a joint. Nemour had to undergo bone grafting on her knees “to give her the best chance” to make a comeback, her mother Stéphanie Nemour said. The condition has been widely reported in gymnasts across the realm. But in this case, the Federation took it with a grain of salt. They claimed the condition developed from overtraining, an allegation that was already there against the Chirilcenco couple.

Although Chirilcenco refuted the claim, the two issues combined to blow the situation out of proportion. In 2022, while Nemour’s personal doctors cleared her to return to the mats, Federation’s doctors were not on the same page. This stalemate first made Nemour think of competing for Algeria. Since her father had an Algerian passport, she was eligible for that. This, however, gave rise to the second part of the battle.

As per international rules, to change their allegiance, gymnasts have to obtain a letter of release from their former federation or face a holding period of one year. Exploiting this, France refused to release Nemour. This would have made her ineligible to compete till July 2023. Eventually, that meant not competing in the African Championships in May 2023, a stepping stone for qualifying for the World Championships of that year, that would secure the Olympic berth.

After much back and forth, and widespread online rage, French Minister for Sport and the Olympic & Paralympic Games, Amelie Oudea-Castera intervened to release Nemour, just two weeks ahead of the African Championships. While, the French authorities were widely slammed for their handling of the matter and losing out a gold medal prospect, for Nemour, there was no looking back.

After conquering the African Championships, she won a silver on the uneven bars at the 2023 World Championships in the Sportpaleis arena in Antwerp, becoming the first African gymnast to win a world medal. And the rest is history. “The Olympics were a goal I had for myself. Whether it’s for France or Algeria, it will still be me, Kaylia, on the floor,” she had said before the Olympics. The world will indeed wait to see that spark on the mats over and over again!

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.