18 Aug 2023
Olympic gold-medallist Simone Biles to headline Global Wellness Summit 2023
BY Megan Whitby
Seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles has been confirmed as a keynote speaker for the 2023 Global Wellness Summit in Qatar, taking place from 6-9 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, she said: “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 CEO, believes Biles is a great fit for the summit.
“Simone's dedication to mental health as well as physical health is so aligned with the wellness industry,” she commented.
Registration for the 2023 summit is now open.
The GWS host sponsor for 2023 is Doha-based Msheireb Properties, considered one of Qatar's leading sustainable property developers. The event itself will take place at Msheireb Downtown Doha.
Summit delegates can opt for a pre- or post-Summit visit to Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, a Msheireb Property development on the northern coast of Qatar that blends traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine with holistic health and wellbeing philosophy.
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