The 52-year-old, who won six Paralympic gold medals during a career spanning almost two decades from 1988 to 2006, aims to qualify in the alpine skiing events, the sport that made him a national icon.
His results at this year’s Para-Alpine National Championships, where he won both the Giant Slalom and Slalom, mean he has already qualified to race in the World Cup series in Giant Slalom. The wins at home come just five months after Michael broke a hip in Austria while preparing to ski the Haute Route, a challenging seven day ski tour from Mt Blanc to the Matterhorn.
“I have always thrived on big challenges and, having survived cancer for a third time, I need them now more than ever. The recovery from my fall has been tough but, while skiing in Thredbo over winter, I realised that the 2026 Paralympic Games could be my next big project, that it could provide the motivation I need to get out of bed each day, to train and to be as healthy as I can be,” said Michael.
To qualify for the Australian Paralympic Team, Michael has just five months.
His plans will see him training on a glacier in Europe in November and then racing from December to post qualifying times in five disciplines by February 15th.
It means departing for Europe mid-November and commencing training in Austria straight away.
“I’ve already produced the results to qualify in Giant Slalom and I’m confident I can work hard and race well enough in Europe to post the times I need to also compete in the other four disciplines. At 52, I may not be as fit and strong as I once was but I definitely have experience and mental toughness on my side,” said Michael.
Australian Championships in a time that qualifies
him to race in World Cup races in December.
Michael’s return marks one of the most remarkable stories in Australian sporting history.
He will be targeting qualification in all five alpine events: slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill, and the combined – an event that didn’t exist at his last games.
“After everything I’ve been through – two cancer battles since my retirement from ski racing 20 years ago, surgeries, post-cancer fatigue – it might sound crazy to be thinking about elite racing again,” said Milton.
“But skiing is what I love. It’s who I am. Setting a big goal like this gives me focus, motivation, and energy. I don’t want to sit still; I want to live as fully as I can.”
As he is not part of the current Australian Winter Paralympic squad and therefore not funded by any official program, Michael is self-funding the training, travel and competitions on the journey to the Paralympic Games in Italy in March. The window is short and the funding is scarce.
“I would love to work with a sponsor, or two, to help cover the costs. I can’t do this on my own and perhaps there is an exec at a big company out there who can see an opportunity to use my journey back to the Paralympic Games to encourage people to dream big, set goals and live life with passion.”
Michael’s imminent departure means leaving behind his family and his business, Quizzic Alley in Canberra, for up to four months.
“I am so fortunate to have the full support of my family. My kids have never seen me compete and I would love to have them and my wife there in Italy in March to watch.”
His return comes at a time of significant growth in Australia’s Winter Paralympic program. Cortina 2026 will see the debut of an Australian Para Nordic team and the largest contingent of winter athletes ever sent.
“I know it’s going to be hard. But that’s not a reason not to go for it,” said Michael.