She was an Australian icon on the water, and our eternal teammate. We carry her spirit—and Numnuts—in every race, everywhere in the world.

 

An Elite Legacy on the Water

Long before the Down Under Dogs took flight, Fye Freeman was already a titan in the dragon boating community. A fierce, joyful, and deeply dedicated competitor. She held the remarkable distinction during her lifetime of being the most-medalled athlete in the history of the Auroras (the Australian National Team). Her energy, discipline, and unstoppable drive brought immense pride to the sport on the global stage.

 

Racing Until the End

Fye’s dedication to her team and her sport knew no bounds. Even while battling cancer, she showed staggering resilience by racing with the Australian national team at the 2017 World Championships held in Kunming, China. Radiating incredible positivity and strength on the water, she competed just four months before her tragic passing.

 

A Dream Shared from the Start

When the Down Under Dogs embarked on their inaugural trip in 2018—the same year the "Fixing Fye" Pancreatic Cancer awareness campaign was established—Fye was meant to be right there on the bench with the team. Though she passed away that very year, preventing her from racing with the pack as she had so deeply planned, her connection to the team's origins remains unbreakable.

 

Traveling with Numnuts

In life, Fye always carried a little plush mascot named Numnuts, sewn by her daughter. Taking it with her to every regatta as a cherished good luck charm.

Today, Numnuts remains an active and beloved member of every DUDs campaign. In the care of Director KK, Numnuts travels to every regatta the team attends around the world, ensuring Fye is always right there in the thick of the action. This deep bond is proudly reflected in the DUDs' secondary logo: An image of Numnuts framed in purple - the colour of pancreatic cancer awareness. This logo was added to the DUD uniform from their 2023 campaign when the Dogs raced in Fye's hometown, Sarawak. The year Fye would have turned 70.

 

Paddling in Her Honour

Because she couldn't make that first journey, the Down Under Dogs made a promise: Fye would travel with them always.

Wherever the DUDs race around the globe—crossing international waters, pushing through the hardest legs of a race, and living out the ultimate paddling adventure—Fye's legacy is in the boat. She is the quiet strength, the positive energy, the champion's mindset we channel under pressure, and the reminder of why we chase our dreams to experience as much as we can in our paddling lives.

 

She never got her race day with the DUDs, but she is the drive behind our pack. Rest easy, Fye. You are in every stroke we take