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Australian Paralympic legend Michael Milton’s attempt to compete at the Milano Cortina Paralympics next month has been dealt a major blow after he suffered a leg fracture while skiing in Colorado.
According to a blog post on his website, Milton was skiing to the bottom of a hill after a training run when he slipped in a slick patch of snow. He landed heavily on the stump of his left leg. Scans revealed a small fracture in the neck of the femur bone.
Milton’s left leg was amputated above the knee when he was nine years old after he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
He is being assessed and may undergo surgery.
“I’m gutted but, after more than 20 years as a ski racer, I know the risks,” he said.
“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.”
Australian Paralympic Team Chef de Mission Ben Troy said Milton would be provided all support possible.
“Michael has done incredibly well just to put himself in contention to compete at Milano Cortina,” Troy said.
“He’s raced across two continents and shown incredible determination to become eligible for five different Para alpine skiing events.
“This mishap is unfortunate, but we’ll be giving Michael all the support and time he needs. We hope for the best.”
The Australian Para alpine skiing team is scheduled to be announced by Paralympics Australia on February 27. The announcement, in Dobbiaco, Italy, will be livestreamed on Paralympics Australia’s YouTube channel.
Milton’s injury is similar to a crash he suffered almost 12 months ago while skiing in Europe. That injury caused a fracture of the same femur, but surgery was not recommended.
Milton is one of Australia’s most decorated Paralympians and an Australian Sports Hall of Fame Legend. He is attempting to return to Paralympic ski racing after initially retiring 20 years ago.
By: David Sygall, Paralympics Australia
Published: 13 February 2026
