Thai boys recount cave rescue: Voices in dark, then 'hello'

Trapped in the recesses of a flooded cave, the 12 boys and their soccer coach were trying to dig their way out when they heard voices in the darkness. Their coach quickly told everyone to be quiet.

"We weren't sure if it was for real," 14-year-old Adul Samon said. "So we stopped and listened. And it turned out to be true. I was shocked."

Banphot Konkum, the uncle of Duangpetch Promthep, one of the boys rescued from a flooded cave, second right, and their other members of his family watch Duangpetch and the rest of the boys live on television recalling their ordeal in the cave at his home in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. Members of a Thai youth soccer team who were trapped in a cave have left the hospital where they have been treated since their rescue, and have held a news conference before they return to their homes. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

That stunning moment when two British divers found the missing soccer team was recounted by the boys Wednesday at their first news conference since the rescue that riveted the world.

They all looked healthy as they walked out to applause from classmates and reporters in a hall decked out as a miniature soccer field. Dressed in green, white and black uniforms emblazoned with a red wild boar — the nickname of their team — the boys briefly showed off their ball-handling skills before answering questions that were reviewed in advance.

The boys, aged 11-16, and their 25-year-old coach had come from the hospital where they have been recuperating for more than a week. They hugged their friends before taking seats up front with doctors and members of the Thai navy SEAL unit that rescued them from the Tham Luang cave after more than two weeks inside.

A mini soccer field being set up before a press conference on the 12 boys and coach realize from the hospital in Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. The 12 boys and their soccer coach rescued after being trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand are recovering well and are eager to eat their favorite comfort foods after their expected discharge from a hospital next week. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Each member of the Wild Boars stood and introduced himself by name and position. The SEALs also were introduced, but they used pseudonyms and wore baseball caps and sunglasses to cloak their identities for security reasons.

In one poignant and emotional moment, a portrait was displayed of Saman Gunan, the former Thai navy SEAL diver who died in the rescue attempt, and the team members showed their gratitude and respect for him. One of the boys, Chanin Vibulrungruang, covered his eyes as if wiping away a tear.

Adul was the logical choice to tell how the British divers discovered them because it was he who had greeted the divers in English in the murky video on July 2 that was seen around the world.

The Wild Boars had entered the cave on June 23 for what was to be a relaxing excursion after soccer practice. But rain began, and water soon filled the cavern, cutting off their escape, and they huddled on a patch of dry ground deep inside the cave.

Coach Ekapol "Ake" Chanthawong said the trip was meant to last one hour, simply because "each of us wanted to see what was inside."

Rescued soccer player "Titan" Chanin Vibulrungruang reacts after paying respect to a portrait of Saman Gunan, the Thai Navy SEAL diver who died in the rescue attempt, during a press conference discussing their ordeal in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. The 12 boys and their soccer coach rescued after being trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand are recovering well and are eager to eat their favorite comfort foods after their expected discharge from a hospital soon. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

When the hour was up, they were pretty deep inside and already had swum through some flooded areas in the spirit of adventure. But in turning back, he discovered the way was not at all clear, and he swam ahead to scout the route, attaching a rope to himself so the boys could pull him back if necessary.

He said he had to be pulled out.

Ekapol said he told the boys: "We cannot go out this way. We have to find another way."

The boys told reporters of their reactions at that point.

"I felt scared. I was afraid I wouldn't get to go home and my mom would scold me, said Mongkol Boonpiam, 13, prompting laughter.

Coach Ekkapol Janthawong, left, and the 12 boys show their respect and thanks as they hold a portrait of Saman Gunan, the retired Thai SEAL diver who died during their rescue attempt, during a press conference in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. The 12 boys and their soccer coach rescued after being trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand are recovering well and are eager to eat their favorite comfort foods after their expected discharge from a hospital soon. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Ekarat Wongsukchan, 14, said they decided "to calm ourselves first, to try to fix the problem and find a way out. Be calm and not shocked."

The group had taken no food with them and survived by drinking water that dripped from the cave walls, Ekapol said, adding that all the boys knew how to swim, which had been a concern for rescuers.

Adul said they were digging around the spot when they heard the voices and Ekapol called for silence.

He recounted how Ekapol told them to "'quickly get down there, that's the sound of a person, or else they're going to pass on by,' something like that."

But he said his teammate holding the flashlight was scared, so Adul told him "If you're not going to go, then I'll go."

"So I quickly took the flashlight, and quickly went down, and I greeted them, 'hello,'" Adul added.

FILE - In this Sunday, July 15, 2018, file photo released by Thailand's Ministry of Health and the Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, some of the rescued soccer team members eat a meal together at a hospital in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand. The youth soccer teammates rescued from a flooded cave are expected to be released from the hospital Wednesday, July 18, 2018 and to speak about their ordeal. (Thailand's Ministry of Health and the Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, via AP, File)

Psychologists had vetted the journalists' questions in advance to avoid bringing up any aspects of the rescue that might disturb them. The dangers of the complicated operation, in which the boys were extracted in three separate missions with diving equipment and pulleys through the tight passageways, were not discussed.

Doctors said the 13 were physically and mentally healthy. Although they lost an average of 4 kilograms (9 pounds) during the more than two weeks they were trapped in the cave, they have since gained about 3 kilograms (6 1/2 pounds) on average since their rescue. They were treated for minor infections.

Asked what he had learned from their experience, 13-year-old Mongkol Boonpiam said he felt stronger. "I have more patience, endurance, tolerance," he said.

Adul said it had taught him "not to live life carelessly."

Coach Ekkapol Janthawong, left, and members of the rescued soccer team express their thanks during a press conference discussing their experience of being trapped in a flooded cave, in Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. The 12 boys and their soccer coach rescued after being trapped in a flooded cave in northern Thailand are recovering well and are eager to eat their favorite comfort foods after their expected discharge from a hospital soon. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

While many of the boys wanted to be pro soccer players when they grow up, at least four of them said they hope to become navy SEALs, so they could help others.

All expressed their apologies to their families.

"I wanted to apologize to my parents. I know that I will get yelled at by mom when I get home," said Pornchai Kamluang, 16.

Ekarat said sheepishly he wanted to apologize to his parents because while he told them he was going to a cave, he told them the wrong one.

"I told them I was going to Tham Khun Nam," he said. "I didn't tell them I went to Tham Luang. So I was wondering how they found us at the right cave."

Relatives of Duangpetch Promthep, one of the boys rescued from the flooded cave in northern Thailand, greet him as he arrives home in the Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, northern Thailand, Wednesday, July 18, 2018. The 12 boys and their soccer coach rescued from a cave in northern Thailand left the hospital where they had been recuperating and appeared at a news conference Wednesday, saying the ordeal made them stronger and taught them not to live carelessly. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Following the news conference, about 30 relatives gathered at the home of 13-year-old Duangpetch Promthep to welcome him back, clapping their hands and cheering.

Banphot Konkum, an uncle who has raised him, was teary-eyed and gave him a big hug.

"We'll do whatever he wants," Banphot said. "If he wants anything, we'll buy it for him as a present, as we promised that when he gets out. Whatever he wants we'll do it for him."

One of America's greatest soccer players is spending the week in Greece working with kids and reminding everyone that the most important moments in sports don't always end with a group of Champagne-soaked winners holding up a trophy.

Retired Olympian and World Cup star Carli Lloyd is joining onetime U.S. men's great Cobi Jones on the pitch and in communities in Greece as part of a program tailored by the U.S. Embassy in Athens, “Changing the Game: Sports for Inclusion.” One of its missions is to remind kids, and maybe their parents, too, about the core reason we play sports — to learn to lead, include others and be a good teammate.

“What makes it special is that when these kids have a ball at their feet, all the rest of the worries and issues kind of go away,” Lloyd said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I hope that us kind of going around the world and speaking about my journey and what it took, the ups and downs, hopefully that can help, and help others.”

There is some geopolitical messaging involved in this trip, as well.

The Lloyd and Jones journey is part of an effort begun in 2006 by the U.S. State Department, which sends elite American athletes and coaches overseas to participate in its Sports Envoy program. Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield told the AP the U.S. “is elevating sport to the diplomatic platform to engage people all over the world” and support America's broader foreign policy goals.

“We're able to look at sports as a way to connect to key audiences and reach people locally in communities who we might not otherwise be in contact with through regular, traditional diplomacy,” Satterfield said.

The U.S. views Greece as an important partner in an important place — closer than most European allies to Russia, North Korea and some other parts of Asia where democracy is either nonexistent or imperiled. Refugees from Ukraine, Northern Africa and other parts of Europe come to Greece; some of Lloyd's visits this week will be with children from the northern part of Africa.

It could take an entire plane flight from the U.S. to Athens to get through the 41-year-old Lloyd's resume. In short, she is a two-time FIFA player of the year who has played in more games in the World Cup and Olympics (47) than any other American on the U.S. women's national team.

She also has been overlooked — both when she was a kid without a soccer net in her backyard and had to prove she could play with the best, and then later as a seasoned veteran when, for instance, at age 27 she found herself in her garage “crying my eyes out, feeling like I was a failure," as she wrote on her website.

Turns out, she was just getting started. About five years after that, she scored three goals in the first 17 minutes to lead the U.S. to a win over Japan in the final of the 2015 World Cup. She played in two more Olympics and one more World Cup after that. Since hanging up the cleats, she has worked as an analyst on Fox's soccer coverage.

This week, it's a different role.

Lloyd will be talking to children — some from Greece, others refugees, still others who have physical and intellectual disabilities — on a number of topics, including gender equity, mental health, nutrition and how we all can learn from wins and from losses, both on and off the field. Embedded in all the conversations will be Lloyd's own experience with overcoming obstacles.

“It makes you reflect on where you live and where you come from and the opportunities you’ve had," Lloyd said of her travels across the globe over a career that spanned the better part of 25 years. “It puts things into perspective that there's always going to be room for improvement everywhere. There’s no perfect country or perfect place or perfect person. And so you're always going to strive to become a bit better.”

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Former US soccer player Carli Lloyd, left, controls the ball as a young migrant tries to stop him during a soccer game at Olympiacos Training Center in Athens, Monday, April 22, 2024. Elite American athletes and coaches, including the former US soccer players Carli Lloyd and Cobi Jones, take part in the 2024 spring roster of U.S. Soccer Sports Envoys organized by the U.S. Department of State. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

The two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd, left, former US soccer player Cobi Jones, second left, US Ambassador to Greece George James Tsunis, center background, pose with young migrants and members of NGOs at Olympiacos Training Center in Athens, Monday, April 22, 2024. Elite American athletes and coaches, including Lloyd and Jones, take part in the 2024 spring roster of U.S. Soccer Sports Envoys organized by the U.S. Department of State. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

The two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd speaks to young migrants at Olympiacos Training Center in Athens, Monday, April 22, 2024. Elite American athletes and coaches, including the former US soccer players Carli Lloyd and Cobi Jones, take part in the 2024 spring roster of U.S. Soccer Sports Envoys organized by the U.S. Department of State. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

The two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd, left, watches Nur a migrant from Somalia as he kicks the ball at Olympiacos Training Center in Athens, Monday, April 22, 2024. Elite American athletes and coaches, including the former US soccer players Carli Lloyd and Cobi Jones, take part in the 2024 spring roster of U.S. Soccer Sports Envoys organized by the U.S. Department of State. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

The two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd speaks to young migrants at Olympiacos Training Center in Athens, Monday, April 22, 2024. Elite American athletes and coaches, including the former US soccer players Carli Lloyd and Cobi Jones, take part in the 2024 spring roster of U.S. Soccer Sports Envoys organized by the U.S. Department of State. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

The two-time FIFA Player of the Year Carli Lloyd watches the training of young migrants at Olympiacos Training Center in Athens, Monday, April 22, 2024. Elite American athletes and coaches, including the former US soccer players Carli Lloyd and Cobi Jones, take part in the 2024 spring roster of U.S. Soccer Sports Envoys organized by the U.S. Department of State. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)