Mélanie De Jesus, a French gymnast with four European championships, dreams as big as her talent. She took a leap of faith when she packed her bags and moved to Houston, Texas, to train at the World Champions Centre, the world-class gym owned by Simone Biles’ parents. For any gymnast, the chance to train at a facility synonymous with excellence, home to the GOAT herself, Simone Biles, is a golden opportunity.

Mélanie, driven by ambition and a desire to elevate her craft, seized it. Her journey, marked by sacrifice and determination, unfolded in the heart of Houston, where she found not just a gym but a transformative experience. What could it be like to train where champions are forged?

“I think it was the best decision of my entire life”, she said in her documentary Golden Soul, after spending 2 years at that gym. For those years, Mélanie immersed herself in the World Champions Centre’s elite environment, and the year before the Olympic Games proved pivotal. Reflecting on her time there, she shared, “It’s better. I stayed in Houston for two years, and the year before the Games, uh… well, I was lucky enough to train with the best athletes in the best gym in the world—Simone Biles.” Her words, tinged with awe, capture the magnitude of sharing the floor with gymnastics royalty. The World Champions Centre, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier coaching, offered Mélanie a rare chance to push her limits alongside the sport’s finest. How did this environment shape her as an athlete?

Mélanie’s gratitude shines through when she says, “Honestly, I think it was the best decision of my entire life. I felt well-supported, with coaches Cécile and Laurent, who were there for me and wanted to help. I was also welcomed so warmly by the girls.” Coaches Cécile Canqueteau-Landi and Laurent Landi, renowned for guiding Simone Biles, provided Mélanie with unparalleled mentorship. The warm embrace from her fellow gymnasts fostered a sense of belonging, making the transition to a new country feel like home. What impact did this support have on her journey?

This experience wasn’t just about perfecting routines; it was about growth, community, and chasing greatness. Mélanie’s time at the World Champions Centre redefined her career, proving that sometimes, the boldest decisions lead to the greatest rewards. How will her Houston chapter inspire her future in gymnastics?

Mélanie De Jesus rediscovers joy on Simone Biles’ Gold Over America Tour

Mélanie De Jesus Dos Santos faced heartbreak at the Paris Olympics, yet she found solace in an unexpected place: a tour bus crisscrossing the U.S. last autumn. Joining Simone Biles’ Gold Over America Tour, Mélanie stepped away from the weight of competition and rediscovered her love for gymnastics. The tour, a celebration of the sport’s joy, featured dazzling performances alongside Biles and other elite gymnasts. For Mélanie, it was a lifeline after a crushing Olympic experience. How could a tour bus become a haven for healing?

Reflecting on the tour, Mélanie shared, “[It] was the best thing that could have happened after the Games. I truly believe that if there hadn’t been that tour after the Olympics, it would have been even harder to bounce back.” The Paris debacle left her reeling, and she admitted, “Knowing myself, if I hadn’t had the tour, I would have shut down. I would have just stayed home doing nothing.” The tour’s vibrant energy and camaraderie pulled her from that edge, offering purpose when she needed it most. What did this journey teach her about herself?

The tour wasn’t just a distraction; it reignited her passion. “That tour really helped me continue doing gymnastics, and, more importantly, to enjoy it again because we don’t get many opportunities to do gymnastics with that much fun,” Mélanie said. Performing alongside Biles, she rediscovered the sport’s joy, far from the pressure of medals. A stop in Martinique grounded her, reminding her of her roots and the gifts gymnastics brought into her life. How will this renewed joy shape her future in the sport?