Known for his determination, Michael Milton sets his sights on his sixth Paralympics. Photo: James Crook.
After a sleepless night in August following a race in the relatively low-key Thredbo Village Series, Michael Milton decided that he was ready for yet another challenge, possibly his most audacious yet.
And that is saying something, given his conquests before this moment include becoming Australia’s fastest downhill skier, walking Kokoda twice, scaling Kilimanjaro, winning 11 Winter Paralympic medals (including six gold), competing in Paracycling at the 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics, running a marathon on crutches, qualifying for the World Triathlon titles, and the list goes on.
In the background, there have been three cancer battles, including losing his left leg when he was nine years of age, followed by oesophageal and bowel cancers.
Seemingly not to be deterred by any obstacle, including age, Michael, at 52 years, has set his sights on qualifying for next year’s Winter Paralympics in Milano Cortina, 20 years since his last Winter Paralympics.
Following that sleepless night in August, there were still hurdles to overcome, including ensuring wife Penni was on board.
“I brought it up with my family as a bit of a joke initially,” says Michael.
“I mentioned it to Penni and we discussed it with the kids, and a couple of days later, we agreed that if it could be done without having a cost impact on the family, let’s do it.”
It will mean less time for Michael in the family-run Harry Potter-themed shop at Fyshwick, where he operates under the nom de guerre ‘Nearly Legless Mick’.
Paralympian and dedicated Potterhead Michael Milton is known in-store as Nearly Legless Mick. Photo: Supplied.
The undertaking will also require sponsorship, because he is self-funded.
And this is an important consideration for Michael.
“A big part of my workload at the moment is sorting out the funding, and this includes sourcing sponsors. I’d like to think I have plenty to offer a sponsor.”
Michael will be self-coached to a certain extent, although his long-time coach Steve Graham could come on board.
“Training by yourself is tough. You need another head to bounce ideas off. You ask yourself: Am I working hard enough?”
In a bid to secure a place on the Australian team for his sixth Winter Paralympics, 20 years after his last in Turin, he will need to go through a series of qualifying events in Europe.
He says he is in good form after winning the Giant Slalom and the Slalom at the Para Alpine National Championships.
The challenge that he has set for Milano Cortina is significantly greater.
“I am hoping to qualify for all five Alpine events: The Slalom, the Giant Slalom, the Super G, the Downhill and the Combined.”
Between now and the Games in March next year, you can be guaranteed that Michael will be leaving no stone left unturned in his quest to achieve what most would regard as the impossible.
He wouldn’t have it any other way.
