Australian Paralympic great Michael Milton will return to downhill racing at the highest level when he competes in the men’s standing downhill on the same Cortina hill where American star Lindsey Vonn crashed yesterday.
Milton, 52, is staging one of the most remarkable comebacks in international skiing, returning to elite competition 20 years after retiring at the Torino Paralympic Games in 2006. Like Vonn, he is attempting to rejoin the sport after a hugely successful career and a long absence from racing. Unlike Vonn, who last raced six years ago, Milton has spent two decades away from the start gate.
His return places him in rare company. Milton is one of only a handful of Australians who have raced downhill across both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Cortina in less than a month he and teammate, sit-skier Josh Hanlon, who won a breakthrough bronze medal at a recent World Cup, will line up in one of alpine skiing’s most demanding and high-risk disciplines.
Milton has yet to race a downhill during his comeback, having qualified for all three speed events—downhill, Super-G and super combined—through strong Super-G results at Winter Park just weeks ago. He is scheduled to complete his first official training run on the downhill course on 6 February, before racing the following day.
Milton said he was watching the women’s downhill yesterday from his training base in Colorado as part of his prearation.
“Lindsey’s comeback has been incredible. I have been watching it with interest. I’ve never raced on that hill before and so I was looking at the course, trying to get a handle on the most challenging parts,” said Milton.
It was tough to watch Lyndsey be evacuated in a helicopter for the second time in a couple of weeks. I would have loved to see her be successful.
Vonn’s fall has prompted debate about the risks involved in returning to competition after serious injury, but Milton said he understood the mindset that drives elite athletes to take that chance.
“I’ve heard people say she shouldn’t have raced with a torn ACL,” he said. “But, you know what? Lindsey is super tough and nothing was going to stop her from giving it a go. It didn’t work out but you don’t want to die wondering. I totally get that.”
For Milton, the challenge is compounded by his personal health journey. A three-time cancer survivor, he has spoken openly about managing post-cancer fatigue, digestion issues and the lingering effects of old injuries as he rebuilds speed and confidence. Downhill racing, with its high speeds and unforgiving margins, will be a major test of that preparation.
He says he is well aware of the risks he will be taking with a 52 year old body at the Paralympic Games in March.
To participate in any downhill race you need to focus on going fast instead of the risks. Self belief and confidence in your skills are absolutely essential.
The Australian team for the 2026 Paralympic Games will be announced at the end of February, with both Michael and Josh expecting to be included. The men’s standing downhill is scheduled for 7 March.
With two athetes preparing to take on the Cortina downhill, Australia will have a rare presence on one of the sport’s most challenging stages. Make sure you’re watching!