Michael Milton keeps the challenges happening. Photo: David Tang.
Since announcing his plans for a comeback to the Winter Paralympics 20 years after his last appearance, Michael Milton has endured the absolute highs and lows of sport.
Michael’s aim at the start of this ambitious comeback campaign was to qualify for five events in Milano Cortina, in what will be his sixth Winter Paralympic Games.
At this stage, the 52-year-old has met the criteria to race in the Giant Slalom and Slalom in Italy at the March Games, but there remains a sense of unfinished business with his goal of competing in five events not yet fulfilled.
He will now head to Colorado for two races on 20 January in a bid to qualify for the remaining three speed events – the Downhill, Super G, and Combined.
“I set myself a goal of qualifying in all five events and it will come down to this one day where there are two races,” said Michael.
“Going to the Games was one goal and I’ve met the criteria and the second aim was to compete in the speed events. I feel like my best chance of a good result at the Winter Paralympics in Italy is in the super G.”
But there is an element of risk, with the possibility that the races could be cancelled at the last minute depending on conditions.
Known for his determination, Michael has sets his sights on his sixth Paralympics. Photo: James Crook.
If the US doesn’t go to plan, Michael may look at a final chance race in Austria in February.
“I’ll only compete in Austria if I need to. I have a budget to consider and training opportunities there are limited,” he said.
In effect, the whole comeback has had an element of risk with a number of hurdles over the past couple of months, including being sidelined from racing because he was unable to secure insurance, a bad crash in training, competing with a broken ski and the last-minute cancellation of races.
Given what he has been through in life with numerous cancer battles, these current obstacles would appear to be insignificant.
“Being able to race again is a huge bonus. I’m in a totally different place,” he said.
“I’m more relaxed and I’m finding real joy in the sensation of skiing. I’m definitely more aware of the experience outside winning medals.”
With 11 Winter Paralympics medals including six gold in his cabinet, it would appear there is little left to conquer.
But driven by an extreme competitive nature, Michael firmly believes there is always something left to achieve. In this case it’s to win at least another gold at his sixth Winter Paralympics after making his debut as a 14-year-old in Austria in 1988.
Another factor is the incredible support he has received from the Canberra community through funding and well wishes.
The expectations are that when the Australian team for the Winter Paralympics is named next month, Michael’s name will be called out. The only question at this stage is will it be for two or five events?
Here’s hoping it’s all five.
