Roberson Joins Georgia As Chiles Eyes 2028 Olympics
Gymnast Joscelyn Roberson transfers to Georgia to reunite with coach Cecile Landi as Jordan Chiles eyes a return.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Gymnastics
In May 2026, 2024 Olympic alternate Joscelyn Roberson transferred from the University of Arkansas to the University of Georgia to rejoin head coach Cecile Landi. Meanwhile, 2024 Paris Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles announced her return to elite gymnastics in September 2026.
Why it matters
The transfers and training shifts highlight the ongoing efforts of elite athletes to align with preferred coaches while navigating the transition between NCAA competition and the path toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Joscelyn Roberson is a 2024 Olympic alternate, while Jordan Chiles brings a resume featuring team gold and individual bronze from the 2024 Paris Olympics. These athletes are operating under NCAA Division I Bylaw 13.1.1.2, which limits coach communication.
The players
Joscelyn Roberson
She is a talented gymnast who gained international experience as a 2024 Olympic alternate.
Cecile Landi
She currently serves as the head coach of the University of Georgia women's gymnastics program.
Jordan Chiles
She is an elite gymnast who won team gold and individual bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The details
Roberson sought out the University of Georgia specifically to work under Landi, following her previous tenure at the University of Arkansas. Chiles is now pivoting back to elite training after previously competing for UCLA, with her sights firmly set on securing a spot in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Timeline
2024: Joscelyn Roberson served as an Olympic alternate.
May 2026: Joscelyn Roberson transferred to the University of Georgia.
September 2026: Jordan Chiles announced her return to elite gymnastics.
October 2026: Interviews were conducted at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
2028: The Los Angeles Olympic Games are scheduled to occur.
Season Trajectory
The movement of high-profile gymnasts between institutions reflects a broader shift in how elite athletes manage their collegiate and Olympic training simultaneously. This trend impacts the competitive balance of NCAA programs as top talent seeks specific coaching alignments to maximize their 2028 Olympic chances.
The addition of an Olympic alternate significantly strengthens the University of Georgia roster for upcoming collegiate meets. Fans and followers of the sport should track how these changes in coaching affiliations influence team performance and individual scoring potential during the lead-up to 2028.
The takeaway
Athletes like Roberson and Chiles are increasingly treating collegiate institutions as hubs for specialized training to reach the Olympic stage. Success for these gymnasts will depend on balancing academic requirements with the rigorous demands of elite Olympic preparation.
Further reading
For more updates on collegiate athletic transitions, visit our Gymnastics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EssentiallySports.
