"I learned a lot of things" - Melanie de Jesus dos Santos on how her life changed after joining WCC to train under Cécile Landi alongside Simone Biles

French gymnast Melanie de Jesus dos Santos shared about learning a lot of things from coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi, and Simone Biles after shifting to the World Champions Center following an underwhelming finish at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Melanie de Jesus dos Santos, 24, has the 2019 European all-around champion title, two European floor champion titles, and the 2012 European balance beam champion title in her impressive wall of fame. The three-time French all-around champion was a member of the French women's gymnastics team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

She placed sixth with her teammates in the team competition and secured the 11th position in the all-around competition. After a disappointing finish, she shifted to Houston, Texas, to train under French coaches, Laurent and Cecile Landi, alongside her US counterpart, Simone Biles.

Melanie de Jesus dos Santos shared that since then, things have changed for good and she has learned to not doubt herself and have confidence in all phases of life.

"I learned a lot of things. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to doubt yourself and to have confidence in yourself. It’s really the biggest power you can have and it’s what I think helps you succeed in everything in life. For me, that’s really it. You have to have confidence in yourself and trust people." she shared. (via Olympics.com)

She also shed light upon how Simone Biles has been a beacon of inspiration and motivation since she decided to shift to the latter's parents-owned gym, WCC.

"I made the decision to change my training location, to go train in the United States, to Houston, with Cecile and Laurent, to train alongside Simone Biles. It’s really full of news. That’s what makes me really different now. learned a lot of positive things and regained myself confidence. I think it will help me for the future," she added.

Melanie de Jesus dos Santos on her 2023 Worlds win - "It was really a great reward for us"

Melanie de Jesus dos Santos competed at the 2023 World Championships and anchored her team to the bronze, breaking a 70-year-old medal drought. Her balance beam performance as France's last competitor in the team competition marked a historic win for the nation.

After the feat, Jesus dos Santos exuded confidence in France's upcoming performances at the Paris Olympics in front of the home crowd.

"It was really incredible because we didn’t expect too much, but it turns out we had a very good competition. It was really a great reward for us. It gives a boost to the Paris Games, winning this medal just before the Games gives me confidence," she added. (via Olympics.com)

The 24-year-old will be among the 600 athletes, who will represent France at the home Games in the French capital.