One of Australia's most celebrated Paralympic stories is now hanging in the balance following a devastating training injury. Legendary alpine skier Michael Milton, a six-time gold medallist and member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, has broken his left femur in a crash while training in Colorado, United States.
Race Against Time for Winter Games
The 52-year-old Canberra athlete is now facing an urgent battle to be fit for the Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics, which commence on March 6. Milton had announced his comeback from retirement in October, aiming to compete in his seventh Paralympic Games after qualifying for five alpine skiing events.
History of Resilience and Setbacks
This latest fracture comes almost exactly one year after Milton broke the same leg while skiing in the European Alps. The left leg holds particular significance for Milton, as it was amputated when he was nine years old due to cancer. He has since overcome cancer two additional times throughout his remarkable career.
"I'm gutted but, after more than 20 years as a ski racer, I know the risks," Milton said in a statement. "The support and help from Paralympics Australia has been fantastic. I'm in touch with the team doctor and various specialists in the US and Australia."
Medical Decisions Loom Large
The injury occurred when Milton landed heavily on the stump of his left leg at the conclusion of a training run, resulting in a small fracture. He is currently consulting with medical professionals both in the United States and Australia to determine whether surgical intervention will be necessary.
With approximately three weeks remaining before the Paralympic Games begin in Italy, Milton's participation remains in serious doubt. The Canberra-born athlete had been preparing for what would have been an extraordinary return to elite competition after coming out of retirement.
Milton's Paralympic career includes:
- Six gold medals across multiple Winter Games
- Competition in both alpine skiing and cycling events
- Numerous world championship titles
- Induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame
The Australian Paralympic community now awaits further updates on Milton's condition and his potential recovery timeline as the Winter Games approach rapidly.
