STAR power will headline this year’s Business of Sport Luncheon, with three key speakers already locked in for the August event.
Melbourne’s premier business luncheon will see Olympian Mack Horton, big wave surfer Mark Mathews and champion former netballer Liz Ellis come together to share their unique insights at Palladium at Crown.
The trio will be among other successful sportspeople, still to be announced, in speaking to their experiences and challenges on ‘The Pursuit of Greatness’.
Horton, who claimed gold at the Rio 2016 Olympics and the Commonwealth Games two years later, will join the panel fresh off an appearance in Tokyo.
The 25-year-old and avid Demons supporter was part of the extended team to win a bronze medal in the 4x200m freestyle relay earlier this week.
Having taken up swimming to overcome a fear of water at the age of 10, Horton has since experienced the highs and lows of professional sport and will offer a remarkable insight into the honour of representing his nation.
He’ll be joined by a man who’s no stranger to challenge.
Mathews, who grew up terrified of the ocean himself, has made a career of defying fear at every opportunity.
From tackling the barrels of the world’s biggest waves, to surviving a wipeout in the shark-infested waters of Tasmania, Mathews has faced some enormous obstacles in his 38 years.
It’s these experiences that now allow him to share his principles of resilience and stress adaption, and deliver an empowering address to his audience.
Similar behaviours ring true with Ellis.
One of the most successful netballers of all time, Ellis’ drive saw her captain the Australian Netball Team and surpass the most test matches played for the country.
She won three World Championship gold medals, two Commonwealth Games gold medals and four national premierships, with a passion that exceeds many.
And having become a Member of Australia in 2009, before being elevated to an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2018, Ellis is set to bring a special perspective to this year’s event.
The 2021 Business of Sport Luncheon, presented by Fujifilm, will take place on Thursday 26 August, with reservations including a three-course meal, premium beverage package and access to the 78° gin bar.
