Challen, Craig

Craig Challen is an Australian veterinarian, businessman, adventurer, pilot and cave diver. He captured global attention in 2018 for his role in the daring rescue of a junior soccer team trapped in the flooded Tham Luang cave in northern Thailand. Craig's efforts earned him both a Star of Courage and the Medal of the Order of Australia, citing his unwavering commitment to saving lives under the most challenging circumstances. As a preeminent figure in technical diving, Craig has explored the depths of underwater caves for nearly three decades. His explorations have taken him across the globe, delving into the labyrinthine recesses of caves in Australia, New Zealand, China, Thailand, Spain, Vanuatu, and the Cook Islands. Additionally he has explored shipwrecks in nearly all of the world’s oceans. Alongside his colleague and long-term dive partner Richard Harris, Craig joined an international team of experts to rescue 12 Thai boys and their coach from Tham Luang cave. In acknowledgment of their bravery, Craig and Richard were jointly honoured as Australians of the Year in 2019. The compelling narrative of Craig's harrowing experience in Thailand comes to life in his book 'Against All Odds,' co-authored with Richard Harris. Serving as a poignant testament to resilience in the face of adversity, the book has emerged as a definitive chronicle of courage, captivating audiences worldwide and inspiring a multitude of literary and cinematic adaptations that chronicle the rescue mission. With an indomitable spirit and boundless optimism, Craig stands as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging audiences to embrace every opportunity that life presents and to approach seemingly insurmountable challenges with creativity and determination. His unwavering resolve serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of human perseverance in the face of adversity.