'I'm gutted': Michael Milton's dream comeback story on pause after cruel injury blow revealed weeks out from Paralympics
A heavy crash on the slopes in Colorado has thrown a brutal curveball in the direction of Michael Milton, with the Australian Paralympic star racing the clock to compete at Milano Cortina 2026.
Milton revealed on his personal blog that he had taken a heavy fall on the slopes while free skiing in the US last week, falling on a slick patch of snow and landing on his left leg.
The 52-year-old went to hospital shortly after the fall where scans revealed he had a small fracture in his femur.
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Milton, who is Australia's most successful winter Paralympian, was on track to make a remarkable comeback to the Paralympic Games, qualifying for five Alpine events.
It had been an impressive comeback display in the build-up to Milano Cortina 2026, given he had formally retired from all competition almost two decades ago.
"I'm gutted but, after more than 20 years as a ski racer, I know the risks," Milton, who had his left leg amputated above the knee at the age of nine due to bone cancer, said.
Michael Milton in action in the LW2 Super-G during the Salt Lake City Winter Paralympic Games. Getty
"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.
"For the moment, I rest, wait and hope but, at this stage, I haven't ruled anything out."
The six-time gold medallist is waiting the results of further testing to learn if he will need to undergo surgery in the coming days.
Watch the Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026 live and free on Channel 9 and 9Now. Plus, every event live & on demand, every medal in 4K, and exclusive international coverage on Stan Sport.
Australian Paralympic team chef de mission Ben Troy reiterated Milton will receive all necessary treatment and support to put him in the best position to compete in Milan.
"This mishap is unfortunate, but we'll be giving Michael all the support and time he needs," Troy said.
"Michael has done incredibly well just to put himself in contention to compete.
"He's race across two continents and shown incredible determination to become eligible for five different para alpine skiing events.
"We hope for the best."
Milton had a similar crash almost 12 months ago on the slopes in Europe, where he suffered a minor fracture to the same femur. He did not undergo surgery at the time.
The Australian para alpine ski team will be announced on February 27.
