Simone Biles’ Former Coach’s Possible Permanent Role 5 Months After Parting Ways With Gymnastics Star’s Family Gym

In the final weeks of December 2024, the buzz of chalk dust still lingered in the air at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas. Athletes were wrapping up the year, routines were refined, and dreams of Paris had either come true or been tucked away for another time. But amidst the usual energy, one goodbye went almost unnoticed by the wider public—Laurent Landi, the French-born coaching force behind Olympic glory, quietly stepped away from his role at Simone Biles’s family-owned gym.

It was a departure that came without fanfare or press releases. No dramatic headlines. Just a respectful and private farewell to the place where he had spent years sculpting greatness alongside his wife, Cecile. The pair had been the cornerstones of WCC, helping guide Simone Biles through her legendary return to the Olympics and mentoring a new generation of U.S. gymnasts. But now, Laurent was ready for something else, though what, no one quite knew.

In February 2025, the world got its first hint. Laurent reappeared at Legacy Gymnastics in Alabama, not as a resident coach, but leading a short training camp. There, he worked with young gymnasts, igniting their passion with the same precision and warmth that had earned him the title of “gym god” from Biles herself—words she dropped with a flurry of clap emojis while resharing Laurent’s post on Instagram. But Laurent wasn’t settling yet. He was moving with purpose—but quietly, carefully. His next stop: Mexico.

That same month, he joined a camp hosted by the Mexican Gymnastics Federation, bringing together a vibrant crop of aspiring gymnasts under one roof. Laurent expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, and the seeds of something more permanent seemed to be sown. Fast forward to May 10, and another sign arrived—Fedmex Gymnasia, a leading gymnastics facility in Mexico, posted a heartfelt thank-you to Laurent, celebrating his contributions to their latest camp. He stood in the photos, smiling among coaches and wide-eyed young gymnasts.

Was this Laurent’s next home? Nothing was confirmed. But the frequency of his presence in Mexico raised eyebrows—and hopes. Meanwhile, Laurent wasn’t limiting his influence to Latin America alone. Earlier in May, he had been spotted in WIMGYM Canada, mentoring athletes and coaches alike. Simone Biles, still his biggest cheerleader, reacted with another flurry of claps on Instagram. And in April, he and Cecile were seen in a new kind of collaboration—posing with ski racers Jillian Vogtil and Anouk Patty, hinting at a fresh blend of disciplines and ideas.

However, it’s been over 150 days since Laurent’s quiet departure from WCC. While the gymnastics world still speculates on his next permanent chapter, one thing is certain: he isn’t done building champions. Remember what Simone’s family gym wrote about his departure?

Simone Biles had to say goodbye to her coach 

Just months after his wife, Cecile Landi, had taken her own bow, Laurent followed, bringing a heartfelt close to the Landis’ remarkable tenure at WCC. The moment was captured in an Instagram story that carried more emotion than words could contain. A photo of Laurent, surrounded by tearful gymnasts and staff, was captioned simply yet powerfully: “Farewell to Coach Laurent! You will be greatly missed at WCC.” The gym’s full message told a story of deep gratitude and respect: “Lots of laughs and tears were shed as WCC is so grateful for the dedication the Landi’s have bestowed upon generations of WCC gymnasts, coaches, and colleagues. We wish the Landi’s the very best! WCC is excited on what’s to come!!! 😉 Stay tuned!” It was the kind of goodbye that doesn’t feel final—more like the last page of one epic chapter before a thrilling sequel begins. For Laurent, the decision marked the end of a transformative era. He wasn’t just leaving a gym. He was leaving behind a legacy.

And as for WCC? The torch was soon passed into capable hands. In a bold and international twist, the center welcomed Patrick Kiens and Daymon Jones, esteemed coaches from the Romanian national team, to guide its next generation of stars.