The gymnastics world is buzzing with excitement as Cecile Landi, the celebrated coach who helped Simone Biles dominate on the world stage, embarks on a new chapter at the University of Georgia (UGA). Less than a week after her husband Laurent Landi’s departure from the World Champions Centre (WCC), the iconic partnership between Cecile and Simone Biles is back—this time with a fresh twist. Cecile, now co-head coach of UGA Gymnastics alongside Ryan Roberts, is set to sprinkle her coaching expertise onto a new generation of gymnasts.
To kick off this new era, UGA has pulled off a major coup: gymnastics legend Simone Biles will appear as a special guest at the Gymdogs’ season opener against Boise State on January 17. The event has fans thrilled, as it marks a special reunion between Biles and Cecile Landi. Cecile herself shared her excitement on social media, posting, “I can’t wait to see you 😘,” while fans flooded the announcement with enthusiastic comments. One Reddit user summed it up perfectly, writing, “Would be a nice reunion!”
The significance of this reunion cannot be overstated. Biles’ career reached unprecedented heights under the coaching of Cecile and Laurent Landi, with the duo guiding her through multiple record-breaking performances and Olympic successes. After helping Simone shine at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Cecile transitioned to NCAA gymnastics, taking up her role at Georgia with a substantial salary increase rumored to be around 70%. The Bulldogs, NCAA champions between 2005 and 2009, have been eager for a resurgence, and Cecile’s arrival signals a promising new direction.
As anticipation for the meet grows, fans have speculated on what this reunion might mean for Simone Biles’ future in gymnastics. While she remains noncommittal about competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, her recent comments suggest she is reflecting on life beyond the sport. In her documentary Simone Biles Rising, she shared what she misses most about gymnastics: “The freedom with my body. The ability that I have in the gym is not normal.” At 27 years old, Simone is also balancing life as a wife to NFL player Jonathan Owens and considering her long-term goals.
Some fans have pointed to Biles’ recent statement on Threads, where she revealed she no longer plans to perform her famous triple-double. For many, this signals that she may be approaching retirement. However, Simone has previously left the door open for a comeback, saying, “The next Olympics is on home turf. So you just never know. I’m just going to relax and see where life takes me.”
Meanwhile, the WCC, Biles’ long-time training home, is undergoing significant changes of its own following the Landis’ departure. The gym has brought in new leadership, including Patrick Kiens, who coached Romania’s 2024 Olympic team, and Daymon Jones, known for his work with Austria and Egypt’s national programs. Fans have praised WCC’s ability to adapt and continue its legacy.
As for Cecile Landi’s impact at UGA, the excitement is palpable. Many believe her arrival, coupled with Simone Biles’ appearance at the season opener, could redefine the future of NCAA gymnastics. One fan captured the sentiment perfectly, writing, “What a get for UGA. Great PR for the team. Whatever they paid Cecile is paying off.” Another ecstatic fan shared, “OMG I HAVE PLANE TICKETS ALREADY AND AM GOING TO THIS MEET!!!!!”
While the future remains uncertain for Biles’ competitive career, her reunion with Cecile Landi at UGA’s season opener is set to be a magical moment for gymnastics fans. Whether or not Simone returns for the 2028 Olympics, her influence on the sport and her partnership with the Landis will remain an unforgettable part of gymnastics history.