Paralympic great Michael Milton battling cancer

One of Australia's most successful sportsmen, Paralympic alpine champion Michael Milton, announced Thursday that he has been diagnosed with a squamous cell tumor in his oesophagus (oesophageal cancer).

ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S most successful sportsmen, Paralympic alpine champion Michael Milton, announced Thursday that he has been diagnosed with a squamous cell tumor in his oesophagus (oesophageal cancer).
    "My first reaction on hearing I had cancer again was disappointment that I would not be able to achieve my goal of representing Australia in track cycling at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games," Milton said. "However, I quickly realized there are a lot more important things in life than sport. My thoughts immediately turned to whether I will see the future birthdays of my 10-month-old daughter, Matilda.
    "I've beaten serious cancer once already so I am confident I can do it again. However, it also means I have a pretty good idea of how tough my life will be as I go through the treatment – but I'm up for the fight."
    The latest diagnosis came almost 25 years to the day after Milton was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma (bone cancer) as a 9-year-old, which resulted in his left leg being amputated.
    "While I am still undergoing tests, I expect treatment to start next week," he said. "My partner Penni and I have great support from our families and our friends and also from my corporate sponsors and partners.
    "At this difficult time, I ask that the media respect our family's privacy as we focus on my treatment and I focus on winning the rematch."
    Milton has competed in five Winter Paralympic Games, winning 11 medals, including six gold. He has been timed as the world's fastest skier with a disability, having set a record of 213.65 km/hr in 2006.    
    Milton was scheduled to compete at the UCI Para-Cycling World Track Championships in France in August.