Monarch Sports Academy

This. This is how our program is run. No two people are equally built, physically or mentally. We adapt to each students learning progression. If your child loves or wants to try other sports, we encourage it... every sport enhances their athleticism. For our Competitive Team, never a contract, and only need to commit to practices during competition season.

We are truly a one of a kind program, and proud of it!

Ever wonder what it takes to break the mold in the world of gymnastics?

Cecile Canqueteau-Landi never fit “in the box.” Sure, she was skinny, blonde, and good at gymnastics—enough to be whisked away at 9 to the French national team, ultimately competing in the 1996 Olympics. But decades later, she questions the lives and careers altered because of a narrow vision of what a gymnast should look like by age 10.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, when Landi transitioned into coaching, vowing never to repeat that mistake. Alongside her husband Laurent, they’ve guided gymnasts without preconceived limits. As they step onto the floor at Bercy Arena for women’s Olympics qualifying next Sunday, they’ll be leading the oldest U.S. women’s gymnastics team ever, headlined by the legendary 27-year-old Simone Biles.

For the Landis, there's no "box." Laurent emphasizes, “It’s not the athlete that needs to adjust to the coaches. The coaches need to adjust to the athletes and the athlete’s abilities.”

The Landis began coaching Biles in 2017 when she was already the reigning Olympic champion. Their mission? Keep pushing Biles forward, not just maintain her talent. The result? Some of the best gymnastics of Biles’ career, including three world all-around titles and several groundbreaking moves.

Biles views her relationship with the Landis as a partnership, appreciating their mentorship both in and out of the gym. They’ve even helped her with everyday tasks, like operating a dishwasher or fixing a flat tire, showcasing their commitment beyond gymnastics.

The Landis embody the sport’s culture shift, promoting athlete empowerment and ownership of their gymnastics. Balancing rigidity and flexibility, they meet athletes where they are, fostering a cooperative approach.

Their success is evident as World Champion Centre sent five athletes to the Olympic trials, with Biles and Jordan Chiles making the U.S. team. This approach has also attracted gymnasts like Joscelyn Roberson, who found the Landis' varied coaching methods refreshing and effective.

Yet, the Landis understand the importance of evolving with the times. Laurent admits, “If you do your own way all the time, you will hurt the majority of the athletes. Maybe one will survive and will be an amazing person, amazing athlete but the (other) 90%, they will be broken.”

Adapting to Biles' age and schedule, the Landis maintain a flexible, athlete-centered approach. Biles, now a newlywed with a busy life, balances her commitments with her training, supported by the understanding Landis.

As Biles arrives in Paris at the height of her powers, she’s accompanied by coaches who see this as a business trip, not a homecoming. Although they’ve been approached to lead the French national team, they’ve chosen different paths.

Cecile, now set to co-head the University of Georgia’s gymnastics program, reflects on her journey, ready for new challenges. From a boxed-in gymnast to a coach without limitations, she’s embraced every opportunity, looking forward to what’s next.

"I think I’ve done everything I could do in elite, and beyond what I could ever have imagined as a little French girl in a little town,” Cecile said. “I’ve coached the greatest of all time. I’ve coached many kids. I’ve had many great athletes in NCAA and elite that I feel like I want to try what’s next, a new challenge.”

My little team did AMAZING yet again! Small meet, but soooo proud!!!

Ally (6yo in the 9 and under group!) - Vault 6th, Bars 4th, Beam 4th, Floor 5th, AA 7th.
Izzy (9) - Vault 7th, Bars 7th, Beam 8th, Floor 8th, AA 10th.
Bailey (9) - Vault 3rd, Bars 8th, Beam 1st, Floor 5th, AA 5th.
Madilyn (10 & 11) - Vault 2nd, Bars 3rd, Beam 1st (9.0!), Floor 2nd, AA 1st.
Izzy (10 & 11) - Vault 3rd, Bars 1st, Beam 3rd, Floor 3rd, AA 2nd
Madison (10 & 11) - Vault 1st, Bars 2nd, Beam 2nd, Floor 1st (8.7!), AA 3rd

High school rules have much greater requirements than club gymnastics, though the girls can only practice 6-8 hrs per week - mine do 2.5-5.5. This is why I LOVE our league and the opportunities plus freedom to do other activities.

How cute is our team gear this year?! 😍

Please share ❤️

Madison Heights Gymnastics Looking For New Home After Flood - Oakland County Times

Could you spare even just $5 today? Every single cent goes directly to us - no fees taken out!

Many of our students started with us as toddlers, and are still with us today. It's not just about gymnastics, it's in how our program is run, and the friendships made. Thank you for reading and sharing our story ❤️

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It takes A LOT for me to ask for help. But this means literally everything to me. The daily texts, emails, and messages from those who miss our program and the smiles on our students faces every day they are in the gym are what keep me fighting. Please, please, please share and donate if at all possible ❤️. Even the small amount will make a HUGE difference as 100% goes directly to us!

Thank you so much,
Miss Amy

Click here to support Amy Bessler's story *HelpOurGymnasticsProgram