At just 24, Ariarne Titmus OAM has achieved remarkable success in swimming. She burst onto the international scene in 2018, winning two golds and a silver at the Commonwealth Games. Under coach Dean Boxall, she was named Swimming Australia’s Swimmer of the Year in 2019. Known for her relentless drive, she has turned childhood idols into fierce rivals. Titmus holds multiple world records and secured gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics. Her quiet strength and determination make her an inspiration to young swimmers striving to push their limits and redefine what is possible. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

Watching the Big Freeze over the years I have been blown away by the reach and impact the initiative has had on people all over the country. My grandfather lost one of his best mates to MND so I have witnessed the cruelty of the disease myself. 

I’m passionate about using my platform for good, and being asked to be a part of the Big Freeze this year by Neale and Bec is an absolute honour. I want to take the opportunity with both hands and spread the live it forward message as far and wide as I can. 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

Meeting Neale at the Australian of the Year awards and being asked to be a slider during such a special week was very emotional for me. 

Neale is the definition of making every second count. I am inspired by not only his will to live, but his passion to help those around him and not be defeated by his diagnosis. His positivity is infectious. If everyone could be a little bit like Neale, the world would be a better place. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

Nick Riewoldt as Freddy Mercury was so good. He embodied such an icon and absolutely looked like his double! 

Peter Daicos, known as the “Macedonian Marvel,” is an AFL Hall of Fame inductee and one of Collingwood’s greatest players. Famed for kicking freakish goals from impossible angles, he played 250 games for the Magpies from 1979 to 1993, scoring 549 goals. A key figure in Collingwood’s 1990 premiership, he kicked the team’s opening goal in the Grand Final. 

In 1990, Daicos achieved 97 goals from a forward pocket, an extraordinary feat for a non-traditional full-forward. His skill earned him the nickname “The Magician.” Since 2010, he has been an AFL Live radio commentator. His legacy lives on through the term “Daicos goal,” used to describe spectacular boundary-line goals. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

Supporting Neale for the benefit of others in years to come. 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

No one would have begrudged him sitting at home being comfortable. The work of Neale and the Daniher family will benefit countless people in years to come. 

Each passing year he puts us in a better position than the last. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

I cannot break it down to just one person. The look on everyone’s face before and after going down slide is what I love most. It’s hilarious.

Matt Nable is a celebrated actor, writer, filmmaker, and former NRL player. He has authored four acclaimed novels, written three screenplays, and earned four AACTA nominations. His breakthrough came in 2007 when he wrote and starred in The Final Winter, Paramount Pictures’ first Australian acquisition. Since then, he has featured in major films such as Killer Elite, Riddick and Hacksaw Ridge. 

On television, Nable has starred in Underbelly: Badness, Bikie Wars: Brothers in Arms and Mr Inbetween, earning multiple AACTA nominations. His directorial debut, Transfusion (2021), starred Sam Worthington, with his next project, Crimson Trail, set for release in 2022. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

I lost my brother to MND in March 2024. Any opportunity to help build awareness and raise money for this cause I will always participate in. It’s not a rare disease, and that fact must be addressed and spread more effectively to the wider community. 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

Everything. His courage is inspiring. I have seen what MND does to a person both physically and mentally. Neale’s desire to continue fighting amidst the continued deterioration of his body, is awe inspiring. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

I think Nick Riewoldt as Feddie Mercury. Just great entertainment, and he got the teeth right and the strut spot on. 

Mark Taylor is one of Australia’s most influential cricket captains, leading the team through a golden era of success. His Ashes debut in 1989 saw him amass 839 runs at an astonishing average of 83.9, setting the foundation for a legendary career. 

Across 104 Tests, including 50 as captain, Taylor scored 7,525 runs, highlighted by his unforgettable 334 not out against Pakistan, cementing his status alongside Sir Donald Bradman. Named Australian of the Year in 1999, he has also been honoured as an Officer of the Order of Australia. Off the field, he co-founded the Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation and remains a respected cricket commentator. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

I have known a few people who have had to battle MND, including Neale Daniher. I have seen how challenging it is and I’m delighted that I can help in a small way to raise necessary funds and awareness. 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

I’m inspired by his ongoing positivity in the face of adversity. He exemplifies ‘the fighting spirit’ which sporting people often talk about. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

Sam Newman sliding down as Borat was very brave. 

Matt ‘Shirvo’ Shirvington is one of Australia’s most iconic sports figures. A standout sprinter, he became the nation’s third-fastest 100m runner, competing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, two Commonwealth Games, and seven world championships. His athletic journey began in Sydney, where he shattered schoolboy records and debuted at the Commonwealth Games as a teenager. 

Beyond the track, Shirvo transitioned into broadcasting, bringing over 15 years of experience reporting from major sporting events. In 2022, he was named co-host of Sunrise alongside Natalie Barr, following David Koch’s 21-year tenure. A respected voice in Australian sport and media, he continues to inspire audiences with his passion and expertise. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

The Big Freeze has to be the coolest way to help make a difference, in more ways than one! This is about showing up, standing up, and sliding in for a cure. 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

Our Australian of the Year! Neale has shown us that true courage isn’t about beating the odds. It’s about inspiring others while facing them head-on. He’s not just fighting MND; he’s redefining what it means to lead, love and live with purpose – amazing! 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

Pat Rafter as Brian Jonson. I love AC/DC and he owned it! 

Liz Watson has been a powerhouse in Australian netball since debuting for the Melbourne Vixens in 2014, winning Rookie of the Year and a premiership in her first season. A creative and tireless centre and wing attack, she joined the Australian squad the same year, earning her first international cap in 2016. 

Her accolades include the Young Star Award (2017), Super Netball Wing Attack of the Year (2020), and the Sharelle McMahon Medal (2018). Named Australian Diamonds captain in 2021, she led her team to Commonwealth Games gold in 2022 and a World Cup triumph in 2023. Off the court, Liz has authored two children’s books and is pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Primary Teaching, driven by her passion for working with young people. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

I’m taking part in Big Freeze 11 to support people living with MND — a disease that’s relentless and still without a cure. 

The slide is symbolic, but the impact is real. Money raised goes straight to research and care. 

That’s why I’m doing it. 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

Neale Daniher’s strength isn’t just in how he’s faced MND — it’s in how he’s used it. Instead of retreating, he’s turned his diagnosis into a movement that’s raised millions and given real momentum to finding a cure. 

He’s honest, he’s relentless, and he’s never made it about himself. That kind of courage — to lead, to speak out, and to keep going — is what inspires me. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

Bianca Chatfield- She is a legend of our sport and always out others before herself and continues to do that off the court! 

Alyssa Healy thrives on the big stage. The Sydney-born wicketkeeper-batter quickly rose through the ranks before making her domestic debut in 2007-08. Initially focused on batting, she settled behind the stumps in 2009-10, leading the WNCL in dismissals. 

Healy made her Australian debut in 2010, helping secure the ICC Women’s World T20 title. She went on to win multiple World Cups and T20 championships, starring in Australia’s 2020 and 2022 victories. Named ICC T20 Player of the Year in 2018, she became vice-captain in 2022 and led Australia in the 2023 Ashes before becoming full-time skipper. A true powerhouse in world cricket. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

I’m so excited to take part in this wonderful event. To play a very small part in raising much needed funds and awareness for FightMND is an absolute honour. Bring on the icy cold water! 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

His own courage and resilience in battling MND whilst also being front facing and a voice for others within the community is incredibly inspiring. His commitment to finding a cure and providing care for others through the charity is changing lives within the community. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

Meg Lanning as Tina Turner was iconic! 

Aaron Davey, known as “Flash,” is a former Australian rules footballer who played 178 games for Melbourne from 2004 to 2013. A dynamic midfielder and forward, he was renowned for his speed, skill, and ability to kick spectacular goals. Raised in Darwin, he entered the AFL through the rookie draft, earning a Rising Star nomination in his debut season. 

Throughout his career, Davey won Melbourne’s Best and Fairest in 2009 and represented Australia in the International Rules Series. A champion for First Nations talent, he won the AFLPA Marn Grook Award for Best Emerging Indigenous Player. After retiring, Davey remained involved in football, mentoring young players and contributing to First Nations coaching initiatives. His legacy as a trailblazer for First Nations athletes continues to inspire the next generation of Australian footballers. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

Two words. Neale Daniher.  

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

His Selflessness, Courage, resilience and care for everyone associated to him and a great family man. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

Jeff Farmer, being coached by Wiz and the way he spoke about the specialness of Neale and the influence he has had on his career both on and off the field and relates to how special he is to myself. 

Cadel Evans AM is one of Australia’s greatest cyclists, making history as the first Australian to win the Tour de France in 2011. He secured podium finishes across all three Grand Tours and won the 2009 UCI Road World Championship. 

Starting his career in mountain biking, Evans won two World Cups before transitioning to road racing, earning stage wins and leader’s jerseys in the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España. Named Australian Cyclist of the Year four times, his consistency set him apart. 

Following retirement in 2014, he launched the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and was awarded the Order of Australia in 2013. 

Craig Lowndes is one of Australia’s most celebrated motorsport figures. A three-time V8 Supercars Champion, he has won the Bathurst 1000 seven times and the Bathurst 12 Hour twice. Starting in karting at nine, he burst onto the touring car scene in 1994 and became a household name. His 1996 debut season saw him sweep the Supercars title, Sandown 500, and Bathurst 1000. 

After a stint abroad pursuing Formula 1 dreams, Lowndes returned to dominate Supercars, securing two more championships. The first driver to reach 100 race wins, he’s a Hall of Fame inductee, five-time Barry Sheene Medal recipient and respected TV commentator. 

Why are you participating in the Big Freeze this year? 

Watching Neale Daniher when I was playing junior footy growing up was a great time in my life. 

So now to be part of this amazing cause for MND, the Big Freeze is a great way to be helping widen the awareness and to work together to find a cure. 

What inspires you about Neale Daniher? 

He’s an icon of Aussie football but now an icon off the field as a hugely respected Australian of the Year.  FightMND is a fantastic organisation that helps bring both awareness but also at the forefront of help to find a cure. 

Who has been your favourite slider and why? 

The first person that comes to mind that has gone down the slide is Nick Riewoldt as Freddie Mercury. He played the part so well!