Houston, Texas (October 17, 2017) – Five-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles will be returning to gymnastics training this month under the direction of coach Laurent Landi. Biles will continue to train at World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas, and hopes to return to competition by the summer of 2018.
“I have enjoyed my time away from training since the Olympics, but am excited to get back into the gym and prepare for my return to competition,” said Biles. “The past year was a chance for my mind and body to recover and I have enjoyed a lot of great opportunities since the Games. I’m looking forward to working with Laurent and am excited to get back into competition mode with my eyes on Tokyo 2020.”
In addition to coaching Biles, Landi will serve as Team Program Director at the World Champions Centre. He will be supported by his wife, Cecile, who will be a part of the girls’ team coaches. World Champions Centre is a state-of-the-art multi-purpose gymnastics facility that offers girls and boys gymnastics, trampoline, and tumbling, as well as a dance studio and taekwondo. In addition, home schooling is also available for all athletes at the facility.
“We are pleased to welcome Laurent and Cecil not only to prepare Simone as she returns to competitive gymnastics, but also to help continue the advancement at the World Champions Centre,” explained Nellie Biles, co-owner of the World Champions Centre. “We believe Laurent’s experience as an Olympic coach and gymnast himself, combined with Simone’s success and continued drive, will be a great combination.”
Laurent Landi began his coaching career in 1999 following his time as a member of the French National gymnastics team. Landi coached at the French National Gymnastics Training Center prior to moving to the U.S. with Cecil. He began his work in the U.S. at Bart Connor Gymnastics Academy and then at World Olympic Gymnastics Academy. Landi was the coach of fellow Olympic and World champion Madison Kocian.
“It is a great honor to have the opportunity to coach the most decorated American gymnast,” said Laurent Landi. “Cecil and I are thrilled to begin our work in the gym with Simone and look forward to expanding the gymnastics program at the World Champions Centre.”
Biles won four gold medals and a bronze at the 2016 Olympic Games including capturing the All-Around title. She has won ten World Championship gold medals, the most won by a female gymnast in history, and is the first female gymnast to win three consecutive World All-Around titles. Biles is the first woman to capture four gold medals at a single World Championships since 1974 and accomplished it at back to back competitions in 2014 and 2015.