The most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles boasts of four golds out of seven Olympic medals. Remarkably, she aced the Yuchenko double pike which the gymnastics sphere dreads to even try. The greatest of her supporters, apart from her family, is her coach since 2017 and former gymnast, Cecile Landi. Being alike, Biles and Landi are big on women’s empowerment and look forward to uplifting the community in every way possible.?

Similarly, she recently addressed the increased recognition women are getting at the Games, per Olympics. Moreover, the contributions of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) were also brought to light. Let?s find out more about the affair.

Cecile Landi on women?s progress in athletic stardom

According to the article published on 17th February, the 43-year-old coach highlighted the growing popularity of women in sports. She implied it is a positive change that has been brought into the modern world. ?I think it?s shifting in the right direction because women are breaking boundaries and records,? she revealed. Apparently, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics witnessed 48% of women athletes, and the percentage is expected to equal that of men in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, the ratio of female coaches at such esteemed levels is comparably minimized. Hence, Landi stands as an inspirational figure for young women aspirants. The IOC took the initiative to broadcast women?s events at the prime hours of the day which has led to greater visibility and demand. Biles?s coach represented France at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Thus, her experience denotes that women haven?t had equal opportunities to men, in terms of airtime.

Read More: ?She?s Gonna Kill Us All?: Simone Biles Freaked Out Her Family When She First Went Behind the Wheels

?It?s shifting, but you know, it could always be better,? she voiced. The French athlete even admitted that women hold greater tolerance than men, which valuably adds to their success in difficult scenarios. Landi said, ?I think mentally we can handle a lot more than some of the guys around.? The coach herself had her fair share of struggles. In fact, she was once guaranteed to fail as a coach after she left her home country.?

Cecile Landi’s long journey from home

As per an interview with the Olympics, the iconic coach once unfolded her past struggles and how young Biles inspired her in many ways. Surprisingly, Landi wasn?t introduced to the concept of mental health. Later on, Biles motivated her and the coach admits to having learned a lot from the champion. ?It has definitely been a big change, and Simone has opened my eyes on a lot of things.? she disclosed.

Furthermore, she spoke about her journey from France to the U.S. in 2004. She was bogged down by the criticism from the French Olympic authorities that doubted her capabilities. Nonetheless, two decades later, she finally proved everyone wrong. She guided the greatest American gymnasts including Simone Biles.?

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Even after Landi faced serious scrutiny from the nation she represented, she never gave up on her dreams. She traveled across the globe to pursue it and wasn?t successful right away. However, with the right mindset and attitude, she emerged victorious and hasn?t looked back since. What did you think of her take on women?s recognition in the sports community? Let us know in the comments.?