The University of Georgia had high expectations for its women’s gymnastics program this season, starting with the strategic recruitment of Cecile Landi as co-head coach. Landi, a 1996 Olympian and a US Gymnastics Hall of Fame coach, previously coached Simone Biles before joining Georgia’s program in August of the previous year. This move was seen as a significant step toward elevating the GymDogs’ performance. To further build excitement, the program made another major move at the start of the season by welcoming Simone Biles and her husband, Jonathan Owens, to Stegeman Coliseum, the team’s home venue. The university honored the couple by unveiling accessories in their names, and Biles, in turn, expressed her gratitude and wished the team success.
Despite these efforts to ignite enthusiasm for the season, an unexpected crisis overshadowed events on February 14. A fire incident disrupted the team’s preparations, creating concerns about safety.
Things got smoky at Stegeman Coliseum Friday night as a small fire broke out before the GymDogs’ meet vs. Arkansas 😮💨
Thankfully no building damage and no one was injured. And the GymDogs brought the real heat in their win over the Gymbacks 🔥
(📸: jafree.yenique/IG) #NCAAgym pic.twitter.com/tET9hHEUq8
— Gymnastics Now (@Gymnastics_Now) February 16, 2025
Fire Incident at Stegeman Coliseum Raises Concerns
On February 16, Gymnastics Now reported that a small fire broke out at Stegeman Coliseum just before the GymDogs’ meet against Arkansas. While details about potential property damage or injuries were not immediately available, the incident generated significant tension. Surprisingly, the GymDogs proceeded with their scheduled SEC gymnastics competition despite the fire and smoke present in the arena.
Social media reactions were mixed, with some praising the team’s resilience while others criticized the decision to continue competing under potentially unsafe conditions. A poll invited fans to weigh in on whether the GymDogs had prioritized victory over safety by performing in a smoke-filled arena.
Although the fire was contained, smoke reportedly entered the venue as doors were open for spectator admission. This meant that gymnasts, coaching staff—including Landi and Arkansas head coach Jordyn Wieber—along with spectators and event staff, spent hours in a smoky environment. Many gymnastics fans were quick to call out the situation as a serious safety concern. One fan took to social media to criticize the decision, stating, “Allowing athletes to continue to compete in a smoke-filled Stegeman Coliseum is irresponsible at best.” Another person directly tagged the University of Georgia’s athletic director, Josh Brooks, demanding better treatment for the athletes.
GymDogs Secure Victory Amid Controversy
Despite the chaos, the GymDogs stayed focused and clinched a narrow victory over Arkansas with a final score of 197.125-197.050. This win marked their first triumph over the Razorbacks since 2022 and helped them maintain a perfect home record for the season. Landi commended the gymnasts for their composure and determination during the meet.
However, the controversy did not fade away. Fans continued to question the decision to proceed with the meet under smoky conditions, and the university administration remained silent on the issue. Even sports journalists weighed in, with one expressing shock at the lack of response from the university. Three days after the incident, many were still seeking answers about why the competition was allowed to continue despite potential health risks.
The debate extended beyond gymnastics, with critics arguing that the decision reflected a broader issue within college sports—where financial and competitive interests often take precedence over athlete and spectator safety. A social media user sarcastically referenced the SEC’s slogan, stating, “The SEC – Where it just means too much.”
In an era when women’s collegiate gymnastics is striving for greater recognition and fan engagement, incidents like this raise significant concerns about athlete welfare. While the GymDogs’ performance on the mat was impressive, the circumstances surrounding their competition remain a topic of heated debate.