NEW YORK – Simone Biles felt like a failure after the Tokyo Olympics and would not be crushed if she did not make the United States squad for Paris 2024.

The gymnast headed to the Tokyo showpiece in 2021 eyeing a record haul of six gold medals, but returned home with just a silver and a bronze after suffering a crisis of confidence.

She dropped out of multiple events after she was hit with the “twisties”, which is a type of mental block in which gymnasts are disoriented or feeling lost in the air, which could be dangerous.

“I wish I could sit here and tell you it was glorious,” Biles told Vanity Fair, of her time off following the Tokyo Olympics.

“When I took a break after 2016 (Rio Olympics), I had the time of my life. I was doing anything and everything. But after the 2020 Games, it was kind of depressing until I started therapy and got help. I felt like a failure.”

After a nearly two-year hiatus, she returned to competition in August 2023 at the US Classic and proved that she remained the sport’s dominant force, winning the all-around.

Weeks later, she won a record eighth all-around title at the US Gymnastics Championships.

At 2023’s World Championships in Belgium, she won four golds, including a record-equalling sixth all-around crown.

Judging by her results, Biles should be on the US squad for the July 26-Aug 11 Paris Games. But, if she is not, the four-time Olympic gold medallist said she would move on.

“If I don’t make it to Paris, it won’t absolutely crush me,” said the 26-year-old, who will feature on February’s Vanity Fair cover and who was voted the Associated Press’ Athlete of the Year in December.

One of the sacrifices she has had to make during her comeback is being away from husband and Green Bay Packers safety Jonathan Owens. The two met on a dating site and were married last April.

Speaking about him, it was clear that that is something she cherishes as much as gymnastics, if not more.

“Besides his looks, he was so sweet and kind, and I think what I liked about him was his confidence. He truly believes he’s the best at everything,” said Biles, who gets to many Packers games.

“I was 19 when I won my first Olympics, and I was like, how am I supposed to top this? My wedding topped it. It was the greatest feeling ever.

“We’re both so busy, so it’s not like I’m sitting (around) waiting for him to come home, but it’s just hard.” REUTERS