Olympic & World champion swimmer Ariarne Titmus was a surprise addition for attendees at the 11th annual Big Freeze fundraiser. She originated the legendary starlet Sandra Dee character from the movie Grease, infamously played by Aussie actress Olivia Newton-John. The initiative called for participants to raise money for FightMND — an organisation focused on the fight against motor neurone disease. Ten prominent members of the sporting community jumped into the frigid waters as a demonstration of their commitment to the movement.
The event was electric with excitement as Titmus was welcomed into the ranks of the great Australian sporting legends. Combined, they helped highlight their silly impressions of adored Australian characters. Titmus was certainly the breakout dealer, providing a high-energy performance of Sandra Dee that respected the late Newton-John. Her performance, which was performed completely on one leg, highlighted her commitment to raise awareness and funds for Neale Daniher’s ongoing battle against MND.
The Big Freeze event has cemented itself as one of the great events on the Australian sporting calendar. Daniher has been the passionate, inspiring leader behind the push who has kept this effort moving. He has become a source of inspiration to thousands, including Titmus who told him how admiring she had been of his resilience.
Celebrating Iconic Australians
This year’s event paid tribute to Australia’s most celebrated artists. It was a unique opportunity for participants to pay tribute to the diverse personalities that have helped develop Australian culture. Next to Titmus, other rides sporting luminaries took priority sportingly, glamorously and competitively.
Lez Ellis wore a costume that recreated Magda Szubanski’s iconic character Sharon from Kath and Kim. At the same time, Max Gawn had the crowd stunned with his rollicking rendition of The Joker. Australian cricket legend Mark Taylor paid tribute to his former teammate Shane Warne, and Supercars icon Craig Lowndes embodied Mel Gibson’s Mad Max in a striking leather jacket.
Titmus reflected on the significance of the event, stating, “I truly believe if everyone had a little bit of Neale’s motivation and positivity, the world would be a better place.”
Every contestant was a winner — warmly welcomed, highly appreciated and deeply engaged in something much bigger than themselves. What the event achieved was bringing together all different aspects of Australian sport and entertainment to support Daniher and his cause.
A Community United for a Cause
The camaraderie was very evident on the day as athletes and supporters turned out en masse to raise funds for FightMND. And as they all took the cold dip, no doubt a number of them were thinking of how much raising awareness for MND means.
Former footballer Peter Daicos praised Daniher’s commitment to awareness-raising in the face of his own battle. He continued, “Nobody would be judging (Daniher) for being at home and sitting there in comfort. I mean, he’s working for others. How could you say ‘no’, none-the-less, it took me a micro-second.
Matt Nable echoed similar sentiments, expressing his admiration for Daniher’s strength: “You know, what I see with Neale Daniher, his fight, he’s truly inspiring. A lot of you here wouldn’t know what’s like with his family and how hard it is, but he is a truly great Australian and a man of great inspiration.”
Fellow athletes’ support further solidified the solidarity within the sporting community. They understood their unique power and collective responsibility to bring awareness to pressing health concerns, all while celebrating their beautiful, shared cultural icons.
Reflections on Friendship and Legacy
While past and present athletes came together to honour Daniher’s legacy, many were left thinking about their own personal connections to him. Mark Taylor recalled his friendship with Warne as he donned his tribute outfit: “I was lucky enough to play a lot of my career with my late mate. Miss him, but love what he did for this country in sport.”
This vibrant event provided a rich stage for entertainment. It opened the floodgates to let lots of people tell their heartbreaking tales about how Daniher has professionally changed their lives.
