Simone Biles has carved her path to the legendary G.O.A.T. status. But the Landis definitely helped the 27-year-old make the steep climb. Cecile Canqueteau-Landi and Laurent Landi were looking for a new beginning in 2017, and as luck would have it, so was the gymnast. When she needed new coaches and guidance the most, Cecile stepped forward, and like they say, the rest is history. 

Landi was more than just a coach to the Olympian. She was more like family. After a harrowing experience at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the 27-year-old decided to step away from the sport. But once she was ready to return to the mat, Biles knew her coach would have her back. It is that support, understanding, and determination that many witnessed at the Bercy Arena. Cecile Landi and the 27-year-old make a power-packed duo. But as the dust settled on the Paris Games, Landi received a sweet surprise. Any guesses on what it could be?

A heartwarming surprise

This season has been incredible for the gymnast. She triumphantly returned to the world’s grandest stage, but she left the French capital with 4 more shiny Olympic hardware. Throughout it all, Cecile Landi was right by her side. Even though the Games are long gone, USA Gymnastics recently gave the coach her flowers. On November 8, she shared a snippet of the letter from USOPC Coaching’s Christine Bolger and the order of Ikkos she received on her Instagram story, captioned, “Feeling grateful ❤️🤍💙 Thank you @simonebiles“

According to the heartwarming note, the USOPC congratulated the coach for guiding the gymnast through the U.S. Olympic Trials and to several podiums in the French capital. The G.O.A.T. did face a huge mental block while contesting in the trials, as we witnessed in Episode 3 of Simone Biles Rising. With many gymnasts succumbing to their injuries, the 27-year-old was terrified, thinking she could be next. When Cecile Landi noticed this, she tried her best to smoothen things out.

The coach promptly asked the gymnasts to focus on themselves and not look around. But even she knows that this was easier said than done. In fact, Simone Biles stepped onto the mat to compete, and Landi shouted words of encouragement. She consistently reminded each of them what they were capable of. So, why shouldn’t this effort be recognized? But here’s the kicker. The Order of Ikkos program was established to allow the members of Team USA to appreciate a coach that has been influential in their Olympics or Paralympics journey.

“The unique honor is bestowed upon coaches only by their Olympic and Paralympic athlete(s) and you have been recognized as a recipient. Therefore, it is with great pleasure that the USOPC presents to you the Order of Ikkos on behalf of Simone Biles,” the note stated. But that’s not it. Along with this, Cecile Landi has also earned a spot in the Honor Roll of Coaches alongside hundreds of other elite Team USA coaches. So why isn’t she still with the G.O.A.T., you ask? 

Cecile Landi embarked on a new adventure in her coaching career

The dynamic duo began their journey in 2017 and have been through several highs and lows. However, when she took on the role of the Olympian’s coach, she felt a kind of pressure like she never had in her coaching career. It always felt like people wanted to watch them fail. In their minds, there is no way they could improve upon the magic of the Olympian.

But it didn’t take too long to prove the naysayers wrong. What was her secret sauce? She just kept pushing herself and believed in her potential. In the French capital, this motto helped the Olympian consistently shatter the glass ceiling. However, as they returned to the States, it was time for them to part ways.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Cecile Landi would set up a new office by taking on the new role of co-head coach at the University of Georgia after the Paris Olympics. And Simone Biles couldn’t be any happier. Why? That’s because she truly believed that her long-time coach deserved the role.

Landi has always been there for the gymnast, especially with her schedule. Things would’ve been easier if she was a teenager who spent all her time at the gym. But the 27-year-old has her hands full off the mat, and the coach has always worked her way around it. When the Olympian moved into her first house, Landi helped her by showing her how to operate the dishwasher. Even though the coach is 850 miles away, the 27-year-old found a way to show her gratitude.