Could you imagine contesting on the world’s biggest stage with your BFF? Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles didn’t just envision it; they competed in the Summer Games together twice. The 2024 Paris Olympics was Chiles’ second berth, while the G.O.A.T. had made a third appearance on the mat. Together with Suni Lee, Hezly Rivera, and Jade Carey, they deemed their Parisian stint the redemption tour. However, the gymnastics BFFs don’t just compete alongside each other. They also happen to train together at the World Champions Center.
Yes, you heard that right! When the 23-year-old considered walking away from the sport in 2018, the 7x Olympic gold medalist wouldn’t have any of it. In fact, she invited her to train alongside her at WCC in Texas. Two days after the gymnast graduated high school, she made her way to the gym, and the rest is history. However, after Cecile Landi parted ways with the gym, it was time for her husband, Laurent Landi, to join her. So, where does this leave the Olympians?
Jordan Chiles pulls the curtains on her and Simone Biles’ gymnastics future
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The gymnast appeared in a casual interview with USA TODAY Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon. The duo discussed everything from Jordan Chiles’ Olympics journey to what the future holds for her. But the conversation soon pivoted to her equally talented BFF. Salmon, like everyone else, was curious about Simone Biles contesting in LA 2028. However, when she asked the 23-year-old to elaborate, she gave a refreshingly honest take. “I don’t know, honestly,” she confessed.
But don’t worry; the gymnast didn’t leave us hanging. “I think right now she’s just focusing on her husband being in the NFL, like going, you know, in Chicago and all this stuff, and she is definitely taking time to be herself,” she admitted. The Olympian reiterated how the 11x Olympic medalist has been all over social media, attending events, walking the red carpets, and more. Additionally, the 23-year-old gave fans a glimpse of what their friendship is like off the mats.
Jordan Chiles spilled the beans on their conversations. Surprisingly, it is like most best friends. The Olympic duo often talk about what they’re doing and where they are at the moment. If that isn’t wholesome, we’re not too sure what is. “So, it’s really cool being able to have a best friend who kind of has the same understanding of, you know, yes, we have a life. But also, we do have a sport, and it’s really cool to be able to connect in that way,” the gymnast opined.
On the other hand, the Olympians embarked on another special journey after the Summer Games: The Gold Over America Tour. The 23-year-old reiterated that given how busy the duo has been, many are still possibly marveling over how successful the tour was. But she took the opportunity to give her BFF a well-deserved shout-out: “Not only was she able to do that two times, but she’s able to, you know, continue to inspire the younger generation.” GOAT previously took place shortly after the 2020 Tokyo Games, making this one the second edition.
However, we know what you’re wondering. What will Jordan Chiles do after her NCAA stint? On November 23, the gymnast attended the Teen Vogue Summit. While she reflected on her Olympic journey, the 23-year-old was asked if she looked forward to a goal in the future, and her answer will surprise you. The gymnast wants to try her hand at real estate! Why, you ask? She has always loved being creative and enjoyed witnessing things designed differently. But most importantly, she wants to help her community and give back in any way she can. So, what brought on this conversation?
A surprise WCC announcement has left their gymnastics future hanging by a thread
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the world witnessed Simone Biles shatter numerous glass ceilings in the Bercy Arena. But none of this would have happened if it weren’t for her incredibly supportive coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi. Unfortunately, shortly after her dreamy stint, the G.O.A.T. had to bid adieu to her long-time coach, Cecile. Why, you ask? The coach had taken on the new role of the Georgia Bulldogs gymnastics team’s co-head coach alongside Ryan Roberts.
Immediately after the Summer Games, Cecile Landi went over to Athens for her next adventure. On the other hand, Laurent Landi decided to stay back with their Olympian daughter Juliette and overlook training at the World Champions Center until his wife settled into her new role. However, their daughter had one more year of high school left, which helped make that decision a lot easier. Now, here’s the kicker! It was finally time for Laurent to part ways with the gym.
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While Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles were getting used to Cecile’s absence, it was now Laurent’s turn to step away as WCC’s head coach after 7 years of being with them. In fact, the official WCC Instagram account shared a story showcasing his emotional farewell to his students. They shared an image of the coach with his mentees with a heartwarming caption, “Farewell to Coach Laurent! You will be greatly missed at WCC.”
With Laurent Landi’s departure, WCC’s future could be up in the air. Considering how they had a massive part in Simone Biles’ return to the Olympic mat after the Tokyo debacle, it leaves her contention in LA 2028 as a question mark. However, WCC is already preparing for what’s to come next. On October 8, the gym announced that they had coaching jobs vacant. While we might have to wait for further updates, Jordan Chiles has put our minds at ease by letting us in on her and the G.O.A.T.’s plans.
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Will Simone Biles' Olympic journey continue without her trusted coaches by her side?
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