Dr Craig Challen and Dr Richard Harris have been named the 2019 Australians of the Year for their efforts as part of the mission to rescue the 12 boys and their football coach from flooded caves in Thailand last year.
The long-time friends were about to depart on a cave-diving holiday when they received the call for help.
They were both awarded the Star of Courage, Australia's second-highest bravery decoration, upon their return from Thailand.
Dr Challen worked 10 to 12 hours each day to swim the children one-by-one through the dark and narrow caves.
He says he's astounded the pursuit of a hobby he's had for the last 22 years has led to so much acknowledgement.
