Michael Milton leaving hospital. Photo: Michael Milton.
Things happen quickly in Michael Milton’s world, and in many cases, it’s by necessity, as it has been in the past seven days, but he will need to slow down for the next fortnight.
Last week, he fractured his femur while skiing in Colorado in preparation for the Winter Paralympics next month in Italy.
At 52 years of age, the ambitious comeback looked to be on life support as uncertainty clouded whether he would return to Australia or stay in the US for surgery.
The situation needed to be resolved quickly, with time running out before the start of the Paralympics.
In the end, he opted for the US option and is now recovering after undergoing an operation in Denver, which required stabilising the fracture with three screws.
It’s anticipated he will remain in Denver for the next fortnight ahead of a follow-up appointment with his surgeon. This will determine whether he will be medically cleared to travel to Italy.
Although he has qualified for five events, he has yet to be officially announced in the Australian team, which should be a formality on 27 February, pending medical clearance.
If selected, it will remain a race to get to the starting gate.
Michael Milton is always ready to face a challenge. Photo: David Tang.
Paralympics Australia Chef de Mission Ben Troy is well aware of Milton’s determination to compete in Milan Cortina.
“Michael has done incredibly well just to put himself in contention to compete at Milano Cortina. He’s raced across two continents and shown incredible determination to become eligible for five different Para alpine skiing events. This mishap is unfortunate, but we’ll be giving Michael all the support and time he needs. We hope for the best.”
For Milton, with a mindset of doing everything at pace, keeping still for the next fortnight could be the greatest challenge.
“A fractured femur sounds serious, but I don’t have a leg hanging off mine, putting pressure on the break and the repair. I’m being super careful and getting lots of rest. Two days post-surgery and I am feeling pretty good,” says Michael.
He adds, “I’ve come way too far in this comeback journey to give up now. Once I am clear to fly, I will be off to Italy to continue my recovery there.”
For the time being, it’s an anxious wait in the hope that the recovery phase goes to plan.
If he does make it to the starting gate in Italy, it will already be a victory of sorts.
