The regular season might be over, but the fire’s just getting started. Georgia gymnastics wrapped up 2025 with a third-place finish in the NCAA Washington Regional’s first session of round two. Hence, ending their postseason run and closing the books on a tough 6-15-1 record. Not exactly the fairytale ending anyone had hoped for. But if you thought fans were turning their backs on the Gymdogs, think again. Come on, they have Simone Biles’ former coach!
Yes—Cecile Landi! She officially took over as co-head coach at the University of Georgia in August 2024, and even though it’s only been 8 months, you can already see the impact she’s having. Turning a program around takes time, and while Georgia didn’t make it out of regionals this season, the signs of progress are there. Landi knows it too and shared her thoughts on this.
Inside Gym shared a post on Instagram with a photo of her and the team, quoting her words: “We are not ending the way we wanted and worked for. We are going to use this to fuel our work and get ready for the next year.” That’s the kind of fire and focus this team needs, and they’ve got it. Sure, the Bulldogs came up short, but they showed real flashes of potential.
A Story That Hits Harder Than a Fall Off the Beam
Let’s talk about a story that’s shaking up the gymnastics world—because it’s more than just flips, routines, and medals. It’s about loyalty, heartbreak, and the kind of support that can only come from fans who genuinely care.
As the Georgia Gymdogs took center stage at the NCAA Gymnastics Championships, all eyes were on their performance. But behind the spotlight, a powerful subplot was unfolding—one that involved Simone Biles’ former coach, who now leads the Gymdogs, and a wave of emotional support from fans around the country.
Let’s dive into what really happened, why emotions are running high, and how the gymnastics world is reacting.
Who Is Simone Biles’ Ex-Coach and Why Does She Matter?
Meet Cecile Canqueteau-Landi—The Woman Behind the Powerhouse
Before we jump into Georgia’s heartbreaking run, it’s crucial to know who’s at the center of this story. Cecile Canqueteau-Landi isn’t just another coach—she’s one of the key figures behind Simone Biles’ Olympic greatness. Alongside her husband Laurent, Cecile helped guide Biles to international stardom.
Now, she’s working her magic at the University of Georgia, coaching the Gymdogs and trying to breathe new life into the iconic program.
Georgia Gymdogs—A Legacy Under Pressure
The NCAA Gymnastics Championships: A Crucial Moment
The NCAA Gymnastics Championships are no joke. This is where dreams are made—or crushed. The Gymdogs entered the competition with big hopes and high expectations. After all, they’ve got a legacy that’s hard to ignore, and with Cecile at the helm, the hype was real.
Hopes Were High—So What Went Wrong?
Georgia had some powerful routines lined up, and they came out swinging. But a series of small mistakes snowballed into a heartbreaking reality—they didn’t make it to the final rounds. It wasn’t a total disaster, but it was enough to crush their championship dreams.
Fans Step In—And It Gets Emotional
Social Media Lit Up With Love and Support
Here’s where it gets interesting. As soon as the news broke that Georgia’s run had ended, fans swarmed Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok—not with criticism, but with support. Most of it was directed toward Cecile, praising her leadership, her coaching style, and the grace she showed through it all.
“She Deserves Better” – A Sentiment Echoed by Thousands
Comments poured in like, “Cecile gave everything to this team,” and “Simone’s greatness came from coaches like her.” It became clear: the public wasn’t just watching the scores—they were watching the people behind them.
Why the Fans Are So Invested in Cecile
Coaching Isn’t Just About Scores—It’s About Mentorship
Cecile is known for more than just her technical expertise. She builds strong, trusting relationships with her athletes. For many fans, she represents the kind of positive coaching that the sport desperately needs.
A Safe Space in a Sport That’s Faced Serious Scrutiny
Let’s be real—gymnastics has gone through some dark times. So when someone like Cecile steps in, offering structure and compassion, people notice. And they rally around her when things don’t go as planned.
Georgia’s Future—Is This the End or Just the Beginning?
A Heartbreaking Finish, But Not a Final Chapter
Sure, the loss stings. But this team is young, hungry, and full of potential. And with Cecile guiding them, they’re far from finished.
Recruiting Power and National Attention
Believe it or not, this moment might actually help Georgia’s program. The emotional fan support? That’s gold for recruiting. Athletes want to train with coaches who are respected—not just by their peers, but by the public.
Media Coverage and Misunderstandings
Some Headlines Missed the Mark
While fans flooded social media with love, some headlines painted a different picture—focusing too much on failure instead of context. That disconnect only fired up the supporters more.
“Clickbait Culture” vs. Real Gymnastics Fans
We live in a world of clickbait and quick takes. But this story proved that real fans still care about depth, emotion, and leadership.
Lessons From the Gym Floor
The Power of Resilience
Losses like this teach you a lot—about character, grit, and bouncing back when things fall apart. Cecile and the Gymdogs displayed all of that and more.
The Role of Leadership in College Sports
Coaches shape the narrative. And when a coach like Cecile shows up with passion, humility, and focus—even in loss—it leaves a lasting impression.
Fan Culture in College Gymnastics
It’s Not Just About the Wins Anymore
College sports are evolving. Fans are more vocal, more connected, and more emotionally invested than ever. And that’s not a bad thing.
Fans using platforms to uplift, rather than tear down? That’s the kind of shift we love to see.
How Cecile’s Past Shaped Her Present
From Elite Training Centers to NCAA Arenas
Her journey from Olympic-level coaching to college gyms wasn’t a step down—it was a conscious pivot toward mentorship and legacy-building.
Carrying the Torch From Simone to the Gymdogs
And yes, the Simone connection matters. It brings instant credibility, but Cecile’s work stands strong on its own.
Closing Thoughts – Heartbreak, Humanity, and Hope
So what do we make of it all?
Georgia may not have won the championship, but they won something else—respect, support, and a growing fanbase. Cecile Canqueteau-Landi proved that coaching is about more than medals. And fans responded in kind.
It’s moments like this that show us the real heart of sports. And if you ask us, this is just the beginning of something big for Georgia—and for Cecile.
