Considerate of Simone Biles’ Mental Health Issues, Coach Landi Found the Perfect Way to Heal 2023 Worlds Trauma

Simone Biles, despite being the gymnastics queen of the US, has had a rough road to fame. Dealing with major complications from her mental health troubles in Tokyo, Biles took a leave to recover. Once she came back, things did seem to get back to normal. Unfortunately, the demons of her previous years threatened to come back when Biles tried to go full throttle. Competing at the 2023 Antwerp World Championships, Simone Biles had an unexpected tumble. 

While running in for a dance pass on floor exercise, Biles jumped and went straight to the ground. Embarrassed at her inability to nail a proper landing, Biles immediately got up and smiled. Sadly, the damage was being done by then. However, recollecting the memories, a considerate Cecile Landi explained how she helped Simone Biles get over the shock. 

Cecile Landi knows the best way to train Biles

Simone Biles, the legend she is, managed to overshadow her mistake in subsequent rounds. Delivering a sublime performance, Biles came back strong to clinch her 6th all-around championship title. While Biles basked in all the glory, one person smiled silently. It was Biles’ coach, Cecile Landi, without whom, the turnaround would have been impossible. Catching up with an earlier interview with GymCastic, Landi detailed how exactly she tackled Biles’ initial failure. 

Landi stated that she was very proud of Biles’ antics out on the mat. And when she came back after the tumble, Landi said, “it was okay.” She then went on to explain that Biles herself was taken aback by her words. But Landi knew exactly what she was doing. Reflecting on her words, Landi pointed out, “I said you have enough skills don’t worry lower sty value but you should be fine.” 

Well, it was this act of compassion that triggered Biles to do something better and present her coach with a happy memory. And surely she did. Biles also took time to return to action in 2024. After spending quality time with her husband Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles made a thumping comeback at the 2024 Core Hydration Classics. The time off from the mats was a crucial factor for Biles as she is a huge advocate of mental wellness. 

Simone Biles advocates for mental health

After her dismal Tokyo outing, she openly discussed ‘twisties’. According to her, under such circumstances, the mind loses the ability to fathom the existence of space and land. Thus, it made Biles face immense difficulties while in the air. However, once she got out of the mess, the 27-year-old began to preach about the importance of having a sound mental state.

Speaking about the same, Biles stated, “We have to protect our body and our mind … It just sucks when you’re fighting with your own head. Whenever you get in a high-stress situation, you kind of freak out. I have to focus on my mental health and not jeopardize my health and well-being.” 

And surely, Biles has backed her talks. After coming back from her extended vacation, Biles showed her class in the Core Hydration Classics. Dominating every routine, Simone Biles scored 59.500. This was an impressive debut because Biles’ score was almost a couple of points clear of the second-placed Shilese Jones. Thus, with things looking great for Biles, it remains to be seen how well the US gymnastics queen performed in the Olympics.