Australian of the Year winners: Thai cave heroes

Dr Richard Harris and Dr Craig Challen had some advice for parents and children after claiming the 2019 Australian of the Year award - and it's not what you would expect.

Dr Richard Harris and Dr Craig Challen at the 2019 Australian of the Year Awards Source: AAP

Thai rescue workers Source: EPA/PONGMANAT TASIRI

Australian of the Year, cave diver and anaesthetist Dr Richard Harris, has a surprising message for children around the world: find your “inner explorer”.

Dr Harris, along with Dr Craig Challen, claimed the joint title of Australian of Year on Friday night for their part in an international rescue effort to free 12 trapped boys and their football coach from an underwater cave. It was the first time the title had been jointly awarded to two finalists.

 

Ο Δρ Challen που επιχειρούσε 10 με 12 ώρες κάθε μέρα, ώστε να βοηθήσει τα παιδιά ένα-ένα να βγούν μέσα από τις σκοτεινές και στενές σπηλιές, δήλωσε κατάπληκτος που το αγαπημένο του χόμπι εδώ και 22 χρόνια, η σπηλαιοκατάδυση, οδήγησε σε τόσο μεγάλη αναγνώριση. 

Read more in English here.

The Thai boys during their cave ordeal. Source: AAP

Follow SBS Greek on Facebook

Listen to SBS Greek Podcasts here