When the University of Georgia GymDogs toppled the powerhouse LSU Tigers on Friday, Cecile Landi, Simone Biles’ former coach, was quick to praise the electric home crowd. The GymDogs edged out No. 2 LSU 197.200-196.850, thrilling a packed Stegeman Coliseum and notching their first victory over LSU since 2016. The win also marked their first home triumph over a top-five team since 2017.
Landi serves as co-head coach of the GymDogs, appointed in April 2024 alongside Ryan Roberts. She coached Biles for 7 years alongside her husband, Laurent, at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas.
Simone Biles’ Former Coach Cecile Landi On Georgia’s Win
Landi has guided several gymnasts to Olympic glory throughout her coaching career, including Madison Kocian, Jordan Chiles, and Joscelyn Roberson, earning 11 Olympic medals across Rio, Tokyo, and Paris. She was a former gymnast who represented France at multiple international competitions, including the 1996 Olympics, before retiring in 1999.
In a story shared on Instagram, Landi shared a message after her team cruised to victory against LSU: “The best place to compete at!!!! This coliseum and audience are like no other. ❤️🖤,” she wrote.
Georgia and Landi will now focus on preparing for their next meet, which is in Norman, Oklahoma, next Friday, January 23, against No. 2 Oklahoma. The meet will begin at 7 p.m. ET and air live on the SEC Network from the Lloyd Noble Center.
Landi On How She Coached Biles
Biles is one of the most decorated gymnasts of all time, earning 11 Olympic and 30 World Championship medals throughout her career. When she decided to work with Cecile and Laurent Landi, how did the two coaches approach coaching one of the greatest ever?
In an interview with Dr. Kristen Holmes, Landi had this to say on how she did: (18:52 onwards)
“For us, the challenge was figuring out how to push someone who’s already accomplished everything. We thought outside the box on skills and routines, and every time we suggested something, she’d say, “You’re crazy.” We’d reply, “No, just try it.” She’d give it a shot and then realize, “I think I can actually do this.” Okay, great. It was all about communication – earning your athletes’ trust and respect, which goes both ways. Once you have that, you can achieve anything.” she said.
In the conversation, Landi discussed several topics, including her own gymnastics career, her decision to leave France to pursue coaching, and whether Biles would compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
