Team USA Coach Trolls Olympic Judges After Simone Biles' Salute

Simone Biles is taking a much-deserved victory lap across the country following her incredible run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Biles, now an 11-time medalist with 7 golds, returned to America as the most-decorated gymnast in U.S. history.

While back home preparing to headline the "Gold Over America Tour," Biles threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Houston Astros took on the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park on August 30. After she tossed the ball to infielder Jon Singleton, as if by default, the 27-year-old delivered her salute pose to the crowd.

Team USA coach Cecile Landi, who's also been Biles' personal coach since 2017, couldn't help but call out the judging panel at the Paris Olympics afterward. During the individual Balance Beam Final at the Bercy Arena, the judges slapped Biles with a .03 deduction for not holding her salute long enough.

Landi posted a photo of Biles' salute on her Instagram Stories and wrote, "No 0.3 deduction for this salute!!! It was perfect 🥳." Biles later reposted the message on her Instagram Stories, as well.

During competition, a gymnast is required to "present themselves in the proper manner (arm/s up) and thereby acknowledge the D1 Judge at the commencement of her exercise and to acknowledge the same judge at the conclusion of her exercise,” per the International Gymnastics Federation's Code of Points .

While the nine-time national champion fell off the beam during the individual final on August 5, she finished her routine strong. With the 03 deduction, Biles earned a 15.100 score, placing fifth.

Following the conclusion of her floor routine during the individual final later that day, during which she earned silver behind Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, Biles held her salute for much longer than necessary. Landi told USA Today that she purposely remained in the pose to make sure "she did not get deducted for it."

Landi was also the personal coach for Jordan Chiles, who initially won bronze during the Floor Final before the medal was stripped away following a complaint by Romania. Landi continues to fight against the FIG and the International Olympic Committee for how they mishandled Chiles' medal.

Related: Simone Biles' Farewell Message to Longtime Gymnastics Coaches Turns Heads