Cecile Landi, coach of Simone Biles, begins new role as co-head at University of Georgia

As Simone Biles put it: it’s the end of an era.

This week, her coach since late 2017 Cecile Landi, a 1996 Olympian for France, reported to Athens, Georgia, to begin her new role as co-head coach at the University of Georgia got underway.

“Gang’s all here!” the team posted Monday (26 August) on social media alongside images of Landi and athletes from the squad.

“It was a good day!” Landi said on her Instagram story. “So happy to be finally in Athens!”

It has been a long time coming with Landi announced as co-head coach with Ryan Roberts on 25 April.

Landi was, then, quick to reassure fans she would stay on as co-head coach with husband Laurent at World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas, where she has helped guide Biles to six Olympic medals, including three gold at the recent Paris 2024 Games. Landi was also part of Biles’ coaching team for three world all-around titles (2018-19, 2023).

"Congratulations, Cecile. I can't think of a more deserving person. Can't wait to see what the future holds for UGA Gymnastics!" Biles said on her Instagram story. "Y'all are in GREAT hands!"

Georgia’s women’s gymnastics team is looking for something of a reboot.

Once a powerful dynasty – longtime head coach Suzanne Yoculan won 10 NCAA titles including five straight from 2005-2009 – the squad has struggled in recent years, including during the 2024 season where they finished 18th nationally.

Landi has been clear-eyed about the challenge that lies in front of her as she and Roberts look to return the Bulldogs to the top of the NCAA gymnastics standings.

“You’ve got to find the right people, the right athletes and everyone ready to commit to the goal and just be patient. That’s what we asked the administration,” Landi said, according to the Athens Banner-Herald. “I have a five-year contract because I told them we don’t’ do magic. It’ s going to take some time.”

• Cecile Canqueteau-Landi, coach of Simone Biles, named new University of Georgia women’s gymnastics co-head coach
• Cecile Landi says Simone Biles "has opened my eyes on a lot of things"

Alice D’Amato: “I will go back to the gym and continue working as I did before.”

Despite being on vacation in Thailand, Paris 2024 Olympic balance beam champion Alice D’Amato of Italy is already making plans for the future of her career.

“I will go back to the gym and continue working as I did before,” she told Chi magazine and was translated on social media. “I don’t feel like I achieved everything I could have…. There’s always room to improve.”

The 21-year-old was the surprise beam winner in a final that saw favourites like Americans Simone Biles and Suni Lee slip off the apparatus. Her victory made her the first Italian female gymnast to be Olympic champion.

That history hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

“The moment that it did happen,” D’Amato said of when she realized she had a chance at gold. “I felt like I was fainting. I couldn’t believe it, I was so surprised that I started crying.”

From the vault…

In honour of her Fair Play Award win, this week, we take a look back at Ellie Black of Canada’s all-around performance from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio where she placed fifth. It’s her highest finish in the event in her four appearances at the Games.