Michael Milton is delighted to announce that, through the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program, he will mentor 17-year-old Declan Budd, a NSW based para-swimmer.
Declan is one of just six athletes from a total of 341 submissions to be awarded a Tier 1 scholarship. He will receive one-on-one mentoring from Michael and a $10,000 grant to assist with training and competition costs.
In 2024 Declan got everyone’s attention when he broke a world record in the men’s S14 50m butterfly with a blistering time of 25.7sec at the 2024 Short Course Championships and claimed three national titles at the Australian Age Championships. Competing at the 2025 World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore recently, he made the finals in all three of his events, placing 6th in the Men’s 200m Freestyle S14 and 100m Backstroke S14 and 8th in the Men’s 100m Butterfly S14. He was the youngest male and the only rookie on the Australian team.
“Clearly Declan has a bunch of talent and a lot of potential. I’m really looking forward to getting to know him better and to seeing what he can achieve over the next few years.
“We had a great first chat a few weeks ago in Sydney. He’s a real character with a big smile, a real passion for swimming and a super supportive family. That’s a deadly combo and I am really keen to do whatever I can to help him become the best athlete and swimmer he can be.
“I also have a son about his age who is a keen cricketer so I feel like I know where he’s coming from and what his biggest challenges might be.
“This is my first time participating in the program, and I see it as a valuable opportunity for mutual learning. I’ll provide Declan with guidance and support, while also learning from him about what it means to be an athlete in the digital age,” Michael said.
Michael is hoping to meet up with Declan at the Sport Australia Hall of Fame gala dinner in Melbourne in November, the same dinner where, 12 months ago, he was elevated to legend status, alongside greats like Dawn Fraser and Don Bradman.
“I’m aiming to be there with Declan when he is officially awarded his scholarship. Being in a room full of sports stars is pretty daunting, even for someone like me who’s been around the block a few times. I may be Declan’s mentor but the dinner will be a great chance for him to meet and talk to some of his heroes,” said Michael.
It will also be an opportunity for Michael to catch up with the other mentors – Louise Sauvage, Adam Gilchrist, Robbie McEwen, Libby Trickett and Dr Lauren Burns.
“This is a new gig for me so the more seasoned mentors, like Adam Gilchrist, might be able to give me some tips. It would be great to be able to draw on the experiences of other mentors so that we can all do the best job possible,” said Michael.
About the Sport Australia Hall of Fame:
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame preserves and celebrates the history of Australian sport while inspiring all Australians to achieve their potential. Guided by values of courage, sportsmanship, integrity and excellence, SAHOF honours its Members’ achievements and provides unparalleled opportunities to future generations.
The Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship & Mentoring Program, established in 2006, has supported over 267 young athletes in 58 sports. The program connects scholarship holders with SAHOF Members, providing life-changing personal development, work-life balance guidance and media training. Expanded in 2020 to a three-tiered structure, the program now ensures even greater opportunities for Australia’s emerging sporting talent.