Ready to Ditch $340,000 for Simone Biles, Coach Cecile Landi Listed Stern Demands to Join Georgia Gymnastics Team

Simone Biles’s coach, Cecile Landi, may have signed up with the University of Georgia, but she still intends to help Biles for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Clearly, Georgia splurged to get Landi on board. However, the coach had a strict policy that the University had to accept. What could that be?

The 44-year-old’s move to collegiate coaching comes with a substantial compensation package and its own challenges. But Landi was ready to refuse the $340,000 offer if Georgia Bulldogs disagreed with her conditions. After much thought, she decided to transfer to the University of Georgia. “It was very difficult to say no. They accepted all my conditions,” Landi said while speaking to L’Equipe.

When Ryan Roberts first approached Landi, she was apprehensive. “I wanted to finish the story, close the chapter with Simone, Mélanie, and the others,” she said. She wanted the time and resources needed to achieve what she had initially set out for. “I asked that we be given time and the means to try to restore the status of this university which remains the most successful (10 times but the last NCAA coronation dates from 2009). But we don’t have a magic wand.”

Her co-head coach, Ryan Roberts, was offered $265,000. Both the coaches will replace Courtney Kupets-Carter, who was making $207,000 annually.

Further, Landi emphasized the importance of finishing her journey with her current athletes before fully assuming her new position, despite the financial appeal. She accepted the position, nevertheless, since it gave her the chance to create a collegiate program and confidence that she could fulfill her commitments to Biles and the other gymnasts at the Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Cecile Landi’s appointment at Georgia reflects the university’s dedication to elevating the status of its gymnastics program. But is Simone Biles happy for her coach?

Simone Biles celebrates Cecile Landi’s impact and the new role!

The Bulldogs students will have to wait until the end of August for Cecile to fulfill her commitment to helping the gymnasts, including Simone Biles, bring gold. While everyone who trained under Landi will miss her, they were happy for their coach’s big leap. Biles, whom Landi has been training since 2017, won three world all-around titles. Hence, the star gymnast applauded her mentor’s recent appointment. “Bravo Cécile, I cannot imagine a more deserving person. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for UGA Gymnastics!” she wrote on social media.

Before Landi moved to Georgia, Biles and her husband Jonathan Owens showered their appreciation with gifts, including a red Coach pouch and customized bags. Cecile Landi also shared a story on Instagram in which she wrote, “Thank you,” for Simone Biles and Owens, for their amazing gift.

And why wouldn’t Biles be ever so grateful to Landi? After all, her impact goes beyond technical coaching. “She’s really in tune with how she’s feeling mentally and physically, speaking up about it, and keeping up with her therapist weekly,” Cecile Landi mentioned in a chat, complimenting Biles’ attention to mental health. “She knows it’s important.”

In fact, Landi was there for Biles when she experienced twisties in Tokyo. From supporting her to take a step back from the Olympics to helping her make a powerful comeback, Cecile Landi was right beside Biles.

Now, Cecile will continue to coach WCC players like Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles ahead of the Paris Olympics, with a strong emphasis on mental toughness. As Biles returns to the Olympic stage this year, her commitment will be put to the test. The guidance provided by the Landis  – Cecile and her husband Laurant, has greatly aided her preparation for this task.

“Gymnastics is never going to be over for [Simone],” Cecile once said. And it’s time they prove it.