Simone Biles' former coach Cecile Landi drops one-word reaction as Olympian & former Ukrainian gymnast Lilia Podkopayeva makes special NCAA appearance

Simone Biles' former coach Cecile Landi recently expressed her feelings as Biles and former Ukrainian gymnast Lilia Podkopayeva made a special appearance at the NCAA clash between the University of Georgia Gymnastics and Boise State. After leading the American squad to the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games, coach Landi joined the Gymdogs as the co-head coach.

Biles and Podkopayeva attended the Georgia vs Boise State faceoff on Friday, January 17, 2025, held at the UGA Coliseum Training Facility. Biles, who was present with her husband Jonathan Owens was seen donning a red pullover Georgia jacket, showing her support for her former coach's new team.

The three-time Olympic medalist Podkopayeva attended the NCAA clash along with her family and was seen posing for pictures with Biles, a few of which she shared with her fans and wrote:

"What an incredible experience at yesterday’s university gymnastics competition between UGA @ugagymnastics and Idaho @boisestategymn," Podkopayeva wrote. "A huge congratulations to the talented champions and their dedicated coaches @cecilelandi, @marissapking, and @uga.coach.olexi for their hard work and incredible performances!"

Sharing the picture on her Instagram story, Landi referred to Biles and Podkopayeva as 'legends', writing:

Screenshot of Landi's Instagram story.

The Gymdogs defeated the Broncos with a significant lead of 196.825-193.600. Podkopayeva represented the Ukrainian squad at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and displayed an iconic performance. She bagged two gold medals in the all-around and floor events and a silver medal in the balance beam event in Atlanta before retiring from the sport citing an injury.

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Simone Biles expresses her admiration for former coach Cecile Landi

Simone Biles of the United States with coach Cecile Landi during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.(Photo via Getty Images)

Cecile Landi began coaching Simone Biles along with her husband Laurent Landi in 2017 after accepting the role of coach at the World Champions Center, a facility owned by Biles' parents Ronald and Nellie.

As the 2024 year came to an end, Biles acknowledged her former coach Landi for her support throughout the year, which saw the gymnast clinch multiple medals at the Paris Games.

Sharing a picture with Landi and and Dr. Marcia Faustin, team physician for U.S. Gymnastics women's squad, Biles wrote:

"Before the year ends, I wanna highlight these 2 ladies," Biles wrote. "Thanks for keeping me sane this year and making sure I never gave up on my dreams 💗 much love."

Simone Biles has bagged six Olympic medals under Landi's guidance, becoming the most decorated American gymnast in the process.