Michael Milton - a true blue Aussie - Get Well Soon

I met Michael when I was working a gig for Toyota Australia in 2005.

He is one of their key sponsored athletes and a great Australian who has conquered personal tragedy to beat the world.

We got to talking fitness, cycling, track cycling and his love of live. He loves challenges. Now he has more challenges.

Michael is a World Champion downhill speed skier winning 4 Gold Medals at the Winter ParaLympics, and in recent years "caught the cycling bug "- and after adopting cycling seriously as a competitive sport on the Track, and setting an Australian Record for the 3000m pursuit, he was named as a member of the Australian Cycling team to compete at the 2007 Paracycling World Championships coming up in Bordeaux France in October.

Now Michael may not compete. At the age of 34, he has been diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer.

Here is Cycling Australia's statement of support for Michael.

"12 July 2007
Statement of support for Michael Milton
The board and members of Cycling Australia offer their support and wishes to Michael Milton and his family after learning he is suffering from oesophageal cancer.
Milton, 34, was selected to compete in the 2007 Para-Cycling World Championships being staged in Bordeaux, France in August after qualifying in Australian record time for a place in the 3000m pursuit on the track.
"Michael came to cycling in the wake of extraordinary success in skiing which saw him claim four gold medals at the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games and was on course to achieve more success in our sport," said Cycling Australia CEO, Graham Fredericks. "We are sure the determination and courage he has shown throughout his life will help him triumph again.
"The thoughts and very best wishes of the board and all our members are with Michael as he faces this challenge and we look forward to welcoming back to racing very soon."The Head Cycling Coach of the ACT Academy of Sport, Glenn Doney, has been advising Michael since last November and welcomed him into the ACTAS scholarship program in March this year after his success at the Australian Championships."In terms of his cycling Michael leaves no stone unturned and demonstrates an unbelievable level of motivation and dedication to achieving his goals," said Mr Doney. "Michael displays an unparalleled willpower to succeed and he exemplifies the addage that excellence is never ending.
"On a personal level he is an inspiration because of his generosity of spirit and his willingness to help others achieve their dreams," said Mr Doney. "He has never been egotistical about his past success because his focus is always on the next challenge and it's these personal qualities that will help him fight the cancer."
For further information (media only) please contact:

Gennie Sheer, Sheer Rhetoric - Communications Director, Cycling Australia

Tel: +61 (0) 418 863 533Cycling Australia website www.cycling.org.au"

Michael has had to battle in his youth, his sports and his work. Those lessons from battles fought and won , he now brings to his fight for his own life. Michael has worked hard in the community to bring the message of life's fights to the fore.

Michael helped launch National Safe Schools Week at Parliament House in Canberra on 24th May. The focus was year is on bullying and the Government used the opportunity to announce funding of $200,000 for research. Michael is well qualified to talk on the subject being bullied for his disability as a child.

To learn more about Michael and send him a word of support for his fight and his activities check out his own website here

All the best mate, get well and give 'em hell !!