Libby Trickett, Olympic gold medallist and mental health advocate will be the keynote speaker at the Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce’s International Women’s Day Long Lunch, co-hosted with the Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Scheduled for 21 February at Tattersall’s Club Grand Ballroom, the event will bring together business leaders to celebrate women’s achievements and discuss ways to advance gender equality. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action”, underscores the need for progress in business and beyond.
From Olympic Glory to Mental Health Advocacy
Libby Trickett is one of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers, having won Olympic gold in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008. However, beneath the success, she battled crippling anxiety and depression. Her situation intensified when she retired from competitive swimming.
Her first retirement in 2009 left her feeling lost without the routine and purpose that elite sport provided. She returned to competition, qualified for the London 2012 Olympics, and secured another gold medal. However, a persistent wrist injury ended her career, forcing her to retire permanently in 2013 at just 27.
The abrupt transition triggered her first serious episode of depression.
Trickett said that stepping away from 35-hour training weeks disrupted the release of happy hormones, which took a toll on her mental health. However, the biggest challenge she faced was adjusting to life without the strict structure of elite sport.
Libby Trickett Battled Post-Natal Depression
Motherhood brought immense joy, but it also introduced new mental health challenges. After the birth of her daughter Poppy, Trickett experienced severe post-natal depression, made worse by relentless sleep deprivation.
“I was incredibly self-critical. I kept thinking, ‘Every woman around the world does this, and they’re coping—so why am I struggling?’” she said.
Seeking professional help and leaning on her support network helped Trickett overcome those struggles. Now, she speaks openly about mental health, encouraging others to seek help and break the stigma.
Championing Women in Business
Trickett has used her personal experiences to build a platform for mental health advocacy. Through her initiatives, Play On and The Sport Social, she promotes wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth, sharing her story to inspire others.
Renee Bailey, Events Officer at Brisbane North Chamber of Commerce, said Trickett’s journey makes her the perfect speaker for this year’s event.
She highlighted Trickett’s transition from athlete to mental health advocate and business leader showcases resilience and innovation in the business community.
Uniting the Business Community
The Brisbane North Chamber and Valley Chamber of Commerce have come together to host this event, reinforcing their commitment to supporting women in business.
Sponsored by Ambient iT, the event will also support The Carers Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to unpaid carers across Australia.
Be Part of the Conversation
Tickets for the International Women’s Day Long Lunch are available now. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from Libby Trickett, whose inspiring journey from Olympic gold to mental health advocacy offers valuable lessons in resilience, leadership, and personal growth.
Published 12-Feb-2025