The most famous of the trio, celebrated Australian Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus, has been named as the first slider for Big Freeze 11. This groundbreaking event will be held at the legendary Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The challenge’s purpose is to raise both awareness and money for Motor Neurone Disease (MND) research. This cause has personal significance to Neale Daniher, who has passionately fought for MND awareness since being diagnosed.
Titmus has since enjoyed a six-month layoff from the cutthroat world of elite swimming, following her victory at the Paris Olympics. When Daniher invited her to join, she described what an emotional moment that was. Neil, I first encountered at the Australian of the Year awards. We stood in queue together for our head shots,” she remembered. While this was happening, Daniher’s daughter, Bec, touched her on the shoulder. Such a small gesture was enough to set her on the path to making the decision to be in as a slider.
Titmus, a four-time gold medallist and household name in the AFL community, is a passionate supporter of her local AFL team, the Hawthorn Football Club. Her engagement has already attracted considerable media attention to the effort. This year’s Big Freeze theme celebrates “iconic Australians,” paying tribute to Daniher’s recognition as Australian of the Year earlier this year.
This year’s Big Freeze event is extra special, as it falls during Daniher’s continuing battle with MND. Titmus emphasized the cause’s importance. She explained why she signed up, saying “It’s not about me being the best slider, it’s about the cause that we’re sliding down the slide for.” She reflected on the legacy that the Danihers have left in raising awareness for MND, attributing their amazing work.
Titmus shared her hopes for the event, jokingly mentioning her costume: “Hopefully the costume I’m wearing is going to keep me nice and warm.” Her light-hearted spirit contrasts with the seriousness of the cause, yet she maintains a strong focus on the mission at hand. “It’s important to keep the secret because the cause we are fighting for is so important,” she added.
Legendary coach and advocate for MND awareness, Neale Daniher, will be jumping into Big Freeze 11. Next Wednesday night, he’ll be with Hamish McLachlan for a special edition of Unfiltered, where he’ll discuss his journey and what he’s doing today in the war on MND.
