“Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, I will not be competing at regionals. I wish my team and everyone else competing the best of luck!” The statement must have shocked not only Georgia gymnastics fans but also the coach who has taught Simone Biles since she was a kid. Cecile Canqueteau-Landi was coaching the GOAT when she won three golds and one silver in Paris. But what was about to come next was an absolute shocker. What happened?
“To start, I want to share that I will not be continuing gymnastics at Georgia.” Naya Howard shared this on Instagram on April 12. Sharing a picture of her donning the black leotard, she wrote, “After some reflection, I’ve decided to explore new places and opportunities that feel more in line with the direction I see for myself moving forward.”
She further captioned, “I’m genuinely grateful for the experiences, growth, and connections I’ve made along the way, and I carry them with me as I step into this next chapter of my life.” She has had quite a time in Georgia. In her freshman year, she became the first GymDog freshman to compete all-around since 2017 and in the most meets since Courtney Kupets in 2006. Then, as a sophomore, she was coming back from an injury.
In 2024 she was Georgia’s top scorer on vault at Regionals and on beam at Michigan and named to UGA’s J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics honor roll in the fall. An honor she also had in 2023.
The story is developing…
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