Athletes are the stars during meets, but coaches form the backbone of their careers. Stellar performances at meets are delivered through the combined effort of both athlete and coach. Without a competent coach, it would be difficult for most world-class athletes to live up to their potential. Simone Biles found such a coach in her longtime mentor and trainer, Aimee Boorman.
However, Biles had to part ways with Boorman shortly after the events of the Rio Olympics concluded in 2016.
Why did Aimee Boorman part ways with Simone Biles?
Biles trained under Aimee for most of her competitive career at the World Champions Centre in Spring, Texas. Biles’ parents, Ron and Nellie, own the training facility, while her brother Adam Biles serves as the general manager.
But the coach-athlete duo announced their decision to part ways after 11 years following the Rio Games. Boorman arrived at the decision so that her husband could pursue a job opportunity elsewhere.
Confirming Boorman’s departure from the gym, Adam Biles said, “Aimee no longer works with us at this time. Her family has moved to Florida so that her husband could pursue a job opportunity that he was offered.”
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 25: Simone Biles performs during the Gold Over America Tour at Staples Center on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
Aimee had coached the seven-time Olympic medalist since she was 8 years of age. Moreover, the gymnastics coach helped Biles clinch most of her hardware at prominent meets, including four gold and one bronze medal at the Rio Olympics.
Speaking about the decision to media personnel, Boorman said, “We were both sad, but [Simone] understands that life moves on and she knows that if she plans to continue in gymnastics… I will always be willing to coach her.”
Furthermore, the coach added, “I will be there as a mentor.”
Expounding on their relationship, Aimee said, “We’re texting each other every couple of days. We are both happy for each other.”
She added, “We are both close and we always will be.”
The other reason behind Boorman’s departure
In addition to her husband’s career opportunity, the decision came at a time when Boorman was set to join Evo Athletics as a staff member.
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RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – AUGUST 15: Simone Biles of the United States competes in the Balance Beam Final on day 10 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at Rio Olympic Arena on August 15, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Speaking about her new role, Boorman said, “Coaching gymnastics is my passion and my life. Having just returned from Rio following an incredibly successful Olympics, I am excited to turn my focus to EVO Athletics and continue to live my passion.”
WATH THIS STORY- Simone Biles Was Once Crowned the Undisputed Queen of Tom Holland’s Handstand Challenge
Following the departure of her longtime coach, World Olympic Gymnastics Academy coaches Laurent Landi and Cecile Canqueteau-Landi filled in the gap in 2017. The duo has been coaching the GOAT ever since. Additionally, they helped her secure bronze at the Tokyo Olympics despite the myriad of challenges faced by the athlete at the meet.
