TWO mates thrust into the global spotlight for their heroic roles in rescuing a Thai junior soccer team were crowned joint winners of Australian of the Year.

Retired Perth vet Craig Challen and South Australian anaesthetist Richard Harris took out their state awards for July’s daring salvage of 12 young boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand.

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The pair are the first joint recipients of the award.

Dr Challen believes the rescue effort was a metaphor for seizing opportunities in life.

“Australia is a place that presents us with so many opportunities. It’s up to all of us to step up and take it, give it a go,” he said.

Dr Challen was part of the international team that rescued 12 boys and their coach from a flooded cave in Thailand.