Australian icon Elle Macpherson has been announced as the keynote speaker at the AO Inspirational Series at Australian Open 2024.
A global entrepreneur, wellness champion and one of the original supermodels, Macpherson has been one of the most recognisable Australians on the world stage since the 1980s. Now as she prepares to celebrate both personal and business milestones, Elle is set to inspire guests with her incredible story of her own continuous evolution.
Returning for its eighth edition, the annual AO Inspirational Series is designed to shine a light on empowerment and promote gender equality. Celebrating the achievement of women in all fields of endeavour, the AO Inspirational Series is also the prelude to a spectacular night of tennis, as the world’s top women – among the highest earning athletes in the world – fight through the semifinals to win a coveted spot in the AO Final.
Renowned as one of the most prestigious off-court events at the AO, Elle Macpherson joins a distinguished alumni of former speakers at the AO Inspirational Series, including tennis legend Billie Jean King, fashion doyenne Anna Wintour, actor, writer and director Rebel Wilson, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, and former Commissioner for Sex Discrimination Elizabeth Broderick.
“Celebrating and recognising people's achievements, particularly those of women, is close to my heart and something I aim to ground every day in practical ways," Macpherson said.
“I’m so looking forward to being at the Australian Open for the first time and being part of this incredibly special AO Inspirational Series.
“I’m keen to share some of my story as well as checking out some amazing tennis at the women’s semifinals.”
Beloved Australian tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley will open the AO Inspirational Series, carrying in the magnificent Daphne Akhurst Memorial Trophy 50 years after winning her first Australian Open title.
“I’m delighted to welcome our Australian icon, Elle Macpherson, an Australian icon, to the Australian Open and look forward to hearing her unique story at the AO Inspirational Series,” Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley said.
“Elle’s inspiring international career – from fashion to global entrepreneur – is one of constant innovation and evolution, not unlike the AO itself. She is the perfect choice as our special guest for the AO Inspirational Series. We look forward to hearing Elle’s inspiring stories and, in turn thrilling her with a night of sensational tennis at the women’s semifinals at Rod Laver Arena.”
Accomplished journalist and Nine News anchor Alicia Loxley will host the AO Inspirational Series and interview both Goolagong and Macpherson at the intimate invitation-only event.
Beginning her modelling career in the early 1980s, Elle Macpherson quickly became one of Australia’s most recognised faces as her career took off around the world and she became known as “The Body.”
From six Sports Illustrated and countless fashion magazine covers to groundbreaking licensing agreements, and a hugely successful lingerie line, Elle’s entrepreneurial skill and her commitment to a healthy lifestyle, have led to another successful business that she has developed.
WelleCo, which launched nearly 10 years ago as a manifestation of her own wellness journey and highlighted Elle as a true pioneer of her time.
Macpherson will be at the AO with her partner Doyle Bramhall.
She will also attend the men’s final as a guest of Ralph Lauren.
[Image credit: Billie Scheepers]