“Today I’m announcing my retirement from The University of Utah gymnastics, the sport of gymnastics, and my withdrawal as a student,” the words of two-time world champion Kara Eaker shocked the entire gymnastics world when she announced her retirement last year in October. However, it now seems as if the 21-year-old talent has found her way back thanks to Cecile Landi.

The University of Georgia surprised fans by posting several images from “Day 1 with the new crew!” Among the 22 girls who appeared in the group photo was Kara Eaker! Well, that wasn’t all. Ryan Roberts, who became the co-head coach of the Georgia GymDogs in April 2024 had some more exciting news. “Looking forward to it! Can’t wait for @cecilelandi to join us!” he added. Later, the official X account for Georgia Gymnastics excitedly announced Kara Eaker’s addition to their 2025 team.

Cecile Landi is coming fresh off the success of leading USA Gymnastics to another women’s team gold at the Olympics. She and her husband Laurent Landi have helped Simone Biles return to form in spectacular fashion. While the Jordan Chiles situation is unfortunate, to say the least, Landi continues to fight for her pupil, and maybe this is why Eaker gave gymnastics another shot.

“For two years, while training with the Utah Gymnastics team, I was a victim of verbal and emotional abuse,” alleged the gymnast. The then-20-year-old revealed that she was “promised a family,” but instead she found herself in an “unhealthy, unsafe & toxic” environment. The coaching staff who she thought would instill confidence, instead filled her with fear and anxiety.

However, Cecile Landi has built a reputation of positivity throughout the years. The Hall of Famer has repeatedly put her athletes before chasing accolades. When Simone Biles withdrew from nearly every event at Tokyo 2020, Landi stood beside her athlete. After years of alleged abuse, Kara Eaker may have felt confident enough to believe in Landi, especially when 7x Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles supported her coach’s big move.

Simone Biles encouraged Cecile Landi

Cecile and Laurent Landi have personally coached Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles for half a decade. They also led Team USA to multiple international and Olympic successes. So it wasn’t an easy decision to leave WCC for the University of Georgia. “It was a family decision, not an easy one but one that we all agreed on,” the gymnastics coach on social media.

The 44-year-old also revealed that it was her star pupil who encouraged her to take on the new challenge. “Simone was the first one to tell me: I’m so happy for you. You need to go.” Cecile Landi revealed. Landi’s move to collegiate gymnastics has been a long time in the making. She had made the announcement in an official press release in April.

Now that the Paris Olympics have concluded, the renowned gymnastics coach is ready to name the transition. Besides her expertise and experience, Cecile Landi will bring positivity to training and competition for girls at Georgia GymDogs. Will Kara Eaker once again rise to world champion status under Landi? Tell us what you think in the comments.