WOGA Gymnastics in Plano is getting a reputation for churning out Olympic talent. That's because two gold medalists trained there, Carly Patterson and Nastia Liukin. Now another Texas gymnast has her sights on the gold.
Madison Kocian is in Rio right now as a member of the US Olympic gymnastics team. Cecile Landi and her husband Laurent have coached Madison for 8 years. She says Madison's hard work and success is inspiring every student at WOGA.
"All the girls watch her and see her hard work. They think if Madison can do it so can I," Landi said.
Landi says Madison will represent Dallas well on the international stage.
"She's a Texas girl," Landi said.
And even though she can call herself an Olympian at 19, Madison has another goal she's looking forward to.
"She's a huge Texas Rangers fan. Her dream is to throw the first pitch," Landi said.
Landi says Madison is proof that hard work, sacrifice and talent can take young women anywhere they want to go. A lesson Landi knows for herself.
She was a member of the French gymnastics team during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Even though she calls it "a magical time," Landi says it's even better helping other young women realize their dreams.