In November 2024, Michael Milton, having already been inducted into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame ten years before, was recognised as the 51st Legend of Australian Sport, joining the likes of Dawn Fraser, Don Bradman and, more recently, Cathy Freeman and Shane Warne.
Michael Milton is Australia’s most successful Paralympic Winter Games athlete, with 11 medals (six gold, three silver and two bronze) from five appearances – the first aged just 14.
disability and the Australian open speed skiing record at 213.65k/hr.
His was a remarkable journey from making history as the nation’s first Winter Paralympic/Olympic gold medallist – in the Slalom in Albertville, France, in 1992 – to becoming just the fourth Australian to also compete at a Summer Paralympics after qualifying for three different cycling events in 2008 in Beijing aged 35.
Incredibly, following a second gold medal in Lillehammer in 1994, Milton swept all four alpine titles (Slalom, Giant Slalom, Downhill and Super G) at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002. This remarkable achievement saw him recognised as the Disabled Sportsperson of the Year by the Laureus World Sports Awards, presented at a star-studded gala dinner in Monaco. He won a silver medal at the 2006 Paralympic Games before hanging up his alpine racing skis after a stunning career spanning 18 years. Just a month later, he set a speed skiing record of 213.65kph, an Australian record and a world record for a person with a disability, both of which still stand.
Milton also excelled at the IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships, winning a total of six gold medals between 1996 and 2004. After retiring from skiing, Michael turned to cycling, completing his Paralympic career at his sixth Games in Beijing in 2008.
He has also represented his country at two World Paratriathlon Championships, completed a marathon and an ultra-marathon on crutches, climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and twice walked the Kokoda Track.
Michael Milton has overcome what for many would be insurmountable obstacles.
“ John Bertrand called me when I was in Bunnings. My family was full-on into sailing when I was a kid and so he is a life-ling hero of mine. Getting that call was special anyway, and then he told me I was being recognised as a legend of Australian sport. Best phone call I’ve ever had. “
hall-of-famer, cricketer Steve Waugh.
At nine, his left leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma (bone cancer). In 2007, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, for which there is a five-year survival rate of just 20 per cent. Then, in November 2023, cancer was detected for a third time, and Michael had surgery to remove a tumour from his bowel.
Milton said being elevated to join the Legends of Australian sport is an honour he will treasure, and one that came with a major element of surprise.
“I looked through the list of names and it was pretty intimidating. Some of MY heroes are on that list. I struggled to come to terms with being on the same list as Don Bradman. That was a moment! I’m relieved I am not the one who decides if I’m worthy or not. I feel very comfortable leaving that to others.
cycling and para-triathlon events.
“A lot of the Legends on the list are, sadly, no longer with us. As a three-time cancer survivor, I’m just happy this isn’t a posthumous award.’’
Asked how being elevated as a Legend amplified his earlier recognition as an Inductee, Milton said: “I guess I’m a little bit older and fatter and slower than I used to be, so certainly it’s a nice reminder and takes me back to my previous life as a professional athlete.”
“Is it a different honour? Yes, absolutely. It’s recognition for a lifetime of hard work, not just one Games or a year. I went to my first Paralympic Games when I was 14 – that’s 36 years ago. It’s also such an honour to be judged by your peers across different sports. It’s a big deal. “