Olympic gold-medallist Simone Biles to headline Global Wellness Summit 2023

October 25, 2023

Seven-time Olympic medallist Simone Biles has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the upcoming 2023 Global Wellness Summit, taking place from 6th to 9th November.

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted gymnasts of all time, Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history with 32 Olympic and World Championship medals under her belt.

Having represented Team USA at the Olympics in 2016 (Rio de Janeiro) and 2020 (Tokyo), the 26-year-old athlete is also the first American woman to win seven national all-around titles and the first female gymnast to earn three consecutive World All-Around titles.

In recent years, Biles has established herself as an ambassador of mental health and used her platform to champion the importance of prioritising mental wellbeing.

Her association with the topic was highlighted following her decision to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics’ Women’s Individual All-Round Final to focus on her mental health.

In a press conference shortly after, Biles advised “I say put mental health first. Because if you don't, then you're not going to enjoy your sport and you're not going to succeed as much as you want to.

“It's okay sometimes to even sit out the big competitions to focus on yourself because it shows how strong of a competitor and person that you really are - rather than just battle through it."

Susie Ellis, GWS Chair and Chief Executive, believes Biles is a great fit for the summit, noting “Simone's dedication to mental health as well as physical health is so aligned with the wellness industry.”

Other Presentations
Among other presentations at the 2023 Global Wellness Summit, Timbaland, the globally-renowned producer who has worked with stars including Jay Z, Madonna, Coldplay and Justin Timberlake, will present a keynote in which he will share his story of vulnerability, transformation and his vision for music in wellness.

The award-winning producer will also reveal details of his new partnership with music wellness company Myndstream.

He advises “my personal journey into the world of wellness has been a profound experience, one that’s reshaped my life in ways I never imagined.

“I’m excited to share my wellness journey and vision of music-as-wellness with GWS delegates.”

Timbaland and Biles join a dynamic speaker line-up for the 2023 GWS which also includes:

Noella Gabriel, Elemis founder.
Professor Gerry Bodeker, researcher and chair of the GWI’s Mental Wellness Initiative.
Thierry Mallaret, economist.
Rebecca Parekh, co-founder and Chief Executive of The Well.
Phillippe Zuber, Chief Executive of Kerzner International (owning company of One&Only Resorts).

Relocation to USA
Originally due to be held in Qatar, as of 17th October the Global Wellness Summit was relocated to Miami, Florida, USA as a result of the organiser’s concerns over "instability in the Middle East region".

In a communication, GWS organisers advised that the move to Miami is aimed at "ensuring the safety and continuity of the event”.

Click here for more information on the Global Wellness Summit in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Biles is considered as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Credit: Shutterstock/Salty View.

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