Michael Milton; A skier, a cyclist and an inspiration
When we are disappointed in ourselves, we tend to look around for inspiration and motivational forces to keep us going. And Michael Milton is such an inspiration for everyone around the world. Michael is an Australian sports enthusiast who lost a leg due to
bone cancer when he was just 9-years-old.
Michael grew up in a family with a skiing background, and consequently had this immense love for the sport. After losing hus leg he was still determined to ski and take part in competitions.
His unconquerable will to play the sport led him to the 1988 winter Paralympics, the tournament took place in Innsbruck, Austria. The Paralympics is an international multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities, held every 4 years alongside
the winter Olympics. Winter Paralympics are hosted in the same city which hosted the Olympics.
At the age of fourteen Michael contested in the 1988 winter Paralympics, where he stood at the 12th and 11th position in slalom and giant slalom respectively. He was 18th in the downhill skiing competitions.
This was Michael’s first competition and from here on, there was no looking back for the one-legged sport enthusiast. His intentions were not just being able to take part in competitions but to excel and become number one in his category.
The next Paralympics took place in Albertville, France, in the year 1992. Michael was able to earn a gold medal in the slalom competitions. This was Australia’s first ever winter Olympics or Paralympics gold medal, Michael brought home another silver medal
which he won in the super G ski competitions. He was famous back home and appreciated by millions, incliding his fellow countrymen and people across the world.
Skiing is about gaining and maintaining speed while moving downhill. Which at times can be very dangerous and tricky, as keeping up with the momentum and pace along with balance is crucial. In competitions like slalom the skier has to move in a zigzag manner
in-order to avoid hitting the poles.
Michael proved to be a fearless sportsman with steely nerves and lots of determination. After the 1992 Paralympics he was able to earn a medal in every competition he participated in. Astoundingly Michael won every skiing event in the Paralympics of 2006.
In his career he won 11 Paralympics medals altogether, including six gold, three silver and two bronze medals. Michael participated in the 2006 winter Paralympics as the last skiing competition of his career.
Breaking the record – Michael was the first disabled person to break the 200 kilometers per hour record by marking a speed of 210.4 km/h. This was not Michael’s expectation as he aimed higher and was determined to break the Australian open
record of 212.26 km/h. This record was set by an able bodied athlete in 1997.
On 19th April 2006, Michael became the fastest Australian skier by setting a world record speed of 213.65 km/h in France.
Cycling – Michael is tougher than most people thought he was. Michael switched to cycling, which is a very challenging and arduous sport for a man with one leg, but not for a man with a big heart and steely nerves. Michael took part in the
Beijing Paralympics, which was his first ‘summer Paralympics’ as a cyclist.
Michael has been appreciated for his enthusiasm and distinctions at home as-well-as outside Australia. Michael won the ATC Australian of the year award in 2007.
Michael is now working on “cancer excellence centers” in Australia. The Canberra born athlete is interested in charity work to help cancer patients in Australia.
“I know how tough the recovery from cancer can be, physically as well as mentally. It's important that the cancer survivors find their place in the world. I can help them understand that they don't have to let their disability disable their dreams”, said
Michael Milton.
The 37-years-old father of two has demonstrated that disability cannot disable one’s dreams. After recovering from a tumor removal from his throat and surviving several spinal fractures, Michael is on his way to achieve the unachievable.
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