Four Paralympic gold medals in one Games — cancer survivor, skier, and Laureus award winner
Michael Milton OAM contracted bone cancer at the age of nine, losing his left leg to amputation. Within a year he was back on the snow, adapting to one ski and two outriggers. That decision set the course for a career that would make him one of Australia's most decorated winter athletes. At the 2002 Winter Paralympic Games in Salt Lake City, he made history by winning four gold medals — in the downhill, super-G, giant slalom, and slalom — becoming the first competitor in his amputee class to make a clean sweep of all eligible events, and was honoured at the Games' closing ceremony. He was subsequently named the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.
In July 2007, almost exactly 25 years after his bone cancer diagnosis, Michael was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. He underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and extensive surgery — and came through the other side. His new goals, as he states them plainly: be well again, stay well, grow old.
Michael speaks to overcoming obstacles and life challenges, being competitive, and the discipline of a hard work ethic. His matter-of-fact style — delivering a remarkable story with wit and without self-pity — is consistently cited as what makes him stand out. He is highly recommended for corporate conferences, leadership events, and any gathering where an audience needs to recalibrate their sense of what is actually difficult. He has presented to organisations including ATTURRA, REIV, and the Australian Seed Federation, and is regularly asked to return.
Michael Milton OAM is a keynote speaker based in Australian Capital Territory who speaks on diversity & inclusion, inspiration and resilience. Book through Executive Speakers Australia.
Michael Milton was very entertaining and inspiring.Australian Seed Federation
Michael spoke at our company conference. He is an exception storyteller and has a fabulous onstage presence. His content was relevant and delivered in a fun, honest style that kept the audience engaged and on the edge of their seats. Michael communicated leadership, diversity and his ability to challenge comfort levels, empowering the audience to think about new ways to tackle problems in business. We summed it up by saying, when faced with challenges, think, 'What would Michael do?'. I would recommend Michael for any conference format that needs to ignite passion and leave people with a strengthened resolve to challenge assumptions.ATTURRA
Michael's presentation was fantastic. He has a great story to tell and does so with wit. His 'matter of fact' style was appreciated by our audience. Excellent speaker, entertaining and inspiring with great humour.REIV
Tell us about your event and our consultants will return a curated shortlist within one business day.
