What makes a true hero in 2025? According to Olympian Montell Douglas and CrossFit champion Zack George, it’s not just about strength or speed, it’s about resilience, teamwork and the courage to try something new. In a one-of-a-kind event hosted at Queen’s ice rink in London, the two athletes stepped out of their comfort zones and onto the ice, going head-to-head with world-class Disney On Ice performers in a series of daring challenges.
From high-speed sprints and precision lifts to balance and agility tests, Montell and Zack were put through their paces in a friendly competition designed to test both physical ability and teamwork. Their goal? To see how their own heroic qualities matched up to those of the Disney On Ice pros and prove that bravery isn’t limited to the screen or the stadium. Could a track star outpace a professional skater? Who had the edge in balance and strength?
Despite their athletic backgrounds, the ice proved to be an entirely new playing field, especially for Zack, who admitted it was only his second time ever putting on skates. He spent much of the day clinging to the side of the rink or holding onto Montell for balance and staying upright proved to be its own challenge. Off the rink, the competition took a different turn as the pair dropped to the floor for a push-up battle, complete with children perched on their backs for extra weight.
“As a young athlete, I was inspired by the people around me – coaches, teammates, and family – who showed resilience and drive every day. Taking on something new like skating with Disney On Ice reminded me how important it is to embrace challenges, even if you stumble along the way. That’s where teamwork and kindness come in – being there for each other, lifting each other up, and remembering to be kind to yourself too. It might seem small, but kindness can completely change how someone feels, and that’s a real superpower.
Montell Douglas
“I grew up watching Disney characters that shaped how I understood bravery, and this challenge was a reminder that being a hero isn’t about being perfect. In my sport I rely on strength, agility and power, and usually I’m quick to adapt – but stepping out on the ice was a whole new test! What I realised is that true strength isn’t just physical. You can train as hard as you want, but the heroes who stand out are the ones who bring kindness and positivity to the people around them.”
Zack George
Adam Loosley, Show Director from Feld Entertainment shares, “Partnering with Zack and Montell on this challenge gave us the perfect opportunity to reflect on that being a hero is about so much more than physical strength. From Moana setting sail into the unknown to Elsa embracing her magic, Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero celebrates everyday bravery, determination, and self-belief. At its heart, it’s a reminder that heroes truly come in all shapes and sizes, and that anyone – no matter their age, background, or ability – can find the hero within themselves.”
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero skates into the UK from the 29th October 2025 – 4th January 2026, where audiences will discover what it truly means to be a hero, as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and friends from the Disney Kingdom come together to bring timeless tales to life. The show will be visiting Birmingham, Nottingham, Newcastle, Aberdeen, Belfast, Manchester, Sheffield and London, with tickets on sale now at www.disneyonice.co.uk.
