Simone Biles shares emotional look at 'forbidden Olympic closet' where she'd cry at home

Simone Biles has revealed a "forbidden Olympic closet" in her home where she used to shed tears over her Tokyo 2021 experience. Biles pulled out of several events at the last Olympics as she struggled with "the twisties".

Biles, hailed as one of the greatest gymnasts ever, boasts seven Olympic medals - including four golds. She shares the record for the most Olympic medals won by a U.S. gymnast and ranks ninth among the most decorated female gymnasts in Games history.

However, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, despite being tipped to clinch at least four out of six available gold medals, Biles unexpectedly pulled out from several events. She battled with "the twisties", a condition that causes a temporary loss of spatial awareness during twisting manoeuvres.

Despite her struggles, Biles still bagged a silver medal with her team and a bronze on the balance beam. Ahead of her return to Olympic competition - her third Games - in Paris this summer, she offered some insight into her Tokyo trials.

In a new documentary series, "Simon Biles Rising", the 27-year-old gave fans a glimpse into a seldom-used bedroom in her house, which she dubs the "forbidden Olympic closet". Inside, Biles displayed her 2021 Team USA pins, a plane ticket from San Francisco to Tokyo, her team number, and her Team USA face mask.

But these keepsakes don't bring back fond memories. She produced a plastic bag filled with pins and other items that she was 'meant to trade' with fellow athletes in Tokyo - but she "didn't get to because my mood was bad."

Gymnastics superstar Biles disclosed her once vulnerable state following her ordeal at the 2020 Games, admitting she no longer goes into a room that holds too many memories. She said: “A lot of this stuff is good keepsake, but it's in this closet because I never really come in this room. I used to sit here and just cry and cry and cry and ask god why this happened to me.”

Biles then showcased the leotard she performed in in Tokyo, adding: “Even touching it is like [winces]. But, you know, sometimes you have to take that power back.”

After Biles' courageous exit from the Tokyo event highlighted the need for mental health conversations amongst athletes, shes setting her sights on success yet again. Already, she has secured her spot on the Olympic team after clinching first place in the all-around trials in Minneapolis on June 30.

Among the US Olympic gymnastics crew are Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera, with standbys Leanne Wong and Joscelyn Roberson. They are expected to feature in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26, led by Biles.