“So Strange”: Simone Biles’ Coaches Denied Paris Olympics Idea, Now She Is Headed As Face of Team USA

Some confetti, razzmatazz and chutzpah. That’s all that’s needed to lure in Simone Biles on the big stage. Simone Biles, the auteur, is ready to bring her spark back to the gymnastics mat at the Paris Olympics like never before! As she puts it, “I feel really confident,” about the Paris Olympics, unlike her woe-stricken Tokyo 2020. She is looking to bolster her impressive tally of seven Olympic medals from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Widely hailed as the GOAT for good reason, Biles broke hearts when she unexpectedly withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics because of grappling with “the twisties,” a perplexing condition that challenges gymnasts during routines.

Despite facing initial criticism and being labeled a “quitter,” Biles remained steadfast. Despite doubts swirling about her Olympic comeback, Biles found a renewed sense of determination. Reflecting on her journey in an exclusive interview with Today show, she recalled watching gymnastics on TV and feeling inspired to give it another shot for the Olympics (Paris Olympics), saying, “I was watching gymnastics on TV, and every time somebody twisted, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ I feel like one day I just woke up and thought, ‘Okay, let’s try this again, “And so, did she head straight to the gym? Obviously not.

She approached her coach, Cecile Landi, but initially, her coaches were hesitant about the idea of her pursuing another Olympics, despite her status as the greatest gymnast of all time. As Biles recalls, ‘OK, I want to go to the Olympics again,’ and they were like, ‘No.‘ Initially, this was difficult for Biles to process. “It was strange, like, that’s so weird. Then they said, ‘Get back in the gym, regain your skills, let’s see if you truly want this.” And what happened next? “So, collectively, we decided to fully commit this year, just like the last Olympics.” 

But it wasn’t just Simone Biles’ journey, it was also her coaches’ journey, especially evident in 2023 when they stood by her as she attempted the Yurchenko double pike. Unlike in Tokyo, where she faced the twisties and couldn’t complete the move, in 2023 she successfully executed it with the support of her coaching team (Cecile and Laurent Landi).

Simone Biles and Coach Laurent Landi- A winning combination

Simone Biles delighted the crowd at the world championships in Antwerp, Belgium, by becoming the first woman to successfully execute the Yurchenko double pike. However, that vault move is now named her name. This achievement adds to her already impressive tally of five skills named after her in gymnastics. However, having her coach Laurent Landi stand on the mat while she was attempting the Yurchenko double pike, a skill so risky that no other female gymnast attempts it, resulted in a lower execution score of 8.533 with a total score of 15.266, the former, due to a one-point deduction as per International Gymnastics Federation rules.

“It’s great,” remarked coach Laurent Landi afterward, reflecting on the significance of Biles’ performance. “People I hope realize that’s maybe one of the last times you’re going to see a vault like that in your life from a woman gymnast. So I think it’s time to appreciate it.”

However, despite this acclaim, Cecile Landi has consistently praised Simone Biles’ pivotal role in the success of the World Champions Centre, where she coaches alongside her husband Laurent. “She’s the most talented athlete I’ve ever worked with,” Landi noted, emphasizing their belief that aligning Biles’ mental and physical prowess would make her nearly unstoppable. But with the continued hard work of coaches and Biles, they achieved the Yurchenko double pike flawlessly this year, without any deductions.

At the Paris Olympics trials, Simone Biles captivated the audience with her flawless execution of the Yurchenko double pike, earning a well-deserved standing ovation. Her ability to soar through the air with a remarkable height and power was truly mesmerizing. Despite a minor adjustment on the landing, Biles impressed the judges, securing a high score of 15.975, including an impressive 9.75 for execution. Her satisfaction was evident as she left the podium, beaming with joy while exchanging celebratory high-fives with coach Laurent Landi. This shows how crucial Simone Biles’ coach is in her life and career, playing a role akin to the backbone of her success.