Simone Biles and Cecile Landi: A bond built on loyalty and compassion

Biles has a history of standing by her friends and teammates. Whether it’s bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade during a medal ceremony or supporting Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee through their challenges, Biles always brings her A-game in the sportsmanship department. And it’s clear that Landi holds Biles in high regard as well.

During her time with Biles and Chiles, Landi became known for her compassionate coaching style. She’s the kind of coach who doesn’t just push for physical excellence but also pays close attention to her athletes’ mental health. When Biles made the tough decision to step back during the Tokyo Games, Landi was one of the first to stand by her side, fully supporting her choice.

Landi’s commitment to her athletes doesn’t stop at Simone Biles. She’s also been a pillar of strength for Jordan Chiles, especially during the controversial bronze medal situation at the Paris Olympics. When Chiles faced harsh criticism and decided to take a social media break, Landi was there, posting a simple yet powerful message: “#mentalhealthmatters.”

Before that, Landi was vocal about the importance of respecting Chiles’ achievements, defending her hard-earned bronze medal. Even as the debate raged on, Landi remained steadfast, making it clear that Team USA-and she herself-weren’t backing down.

As Cecile Landi embarks on this new chapter with the University of Georgia, it’s evident that she’ll carry the lessons learned from her time with Biles and Chiles with her. And with Biles cheering her on, there’s no doubt that Landi’s next leap will be one to watch.