We are proud to welcome Paralympic legend Michael Milton as Ambassador for the 2026 Canberra Disability Expo, taking place Friday 25th and Saturday 26th September at EPIC – Exhibition Park in Canberra.
For the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend, life has never been about limitations. A keen skier from a young age, Michael returned to the sport he loved after losing his left leg to bone cancer at age nine. He soon set his sights on the world stage, competed in his first Paralympic Games at just 13 and won Australia’s first Winter Games gold medal just six years later. He is one of the nation’s most decorated Paralympians, winning 11 Paralympic medals across six Winter Games, including six gold.
But Michael’s achievements extend well beyond sport. As a three-time cancer survivor, business owner, motivational speaker and advocate for inclusion, he has spent decades inspiring people to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles.
“I’d love people to think about problem solving and pushing their own limits,” he says. “Set your own limits and don’t let other people tell you what you can or can’t achieve.”
Cancer has shaped Michael’s journey as much as sport. After losing his leg to bone cancer as a child, he later battled oesophageal cancer and bowel cancer, overcoming each challenge with the same determination he brought to competition.
These experiences reinforced his belief in resilience, adaptability and finding solutions when faced with setbacks.
After years of competing, Michael’s life changed when he met Penni. After one last race at the 2006 Torino Games and a silver medal to show for it, he decided to focus on his family and raising his two kids. Twenty years later he returned to Italy as a member of the Australian team for the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games – and his now teenage kids were there to watch him race.
Throughout his journey, Michael learned to appreciate the joy of sharing his experiences, and the support of people around him.
“One of my problem-solving strategies is to bring in other people, and that’s certainly part of what the Expo is about.”
For Michael, the Expo is ultimately about connection.
“Going to an Expo like this is about getting ideas: ways to change the way we do things, options around adaptive equipment, support from organisations…It’s about ideas and connections that can help people with disability to live a fulfilling life.”
As the Ambassador, he hopes to shine a light on the strengths and contributions of people with disability across sport, employment and everyday life.
The Canberra Disability Expo brings together disability-specific products and services, employment opportunities, support organisations and community connections, all under one accessible roof.
Designed with accessibility at its core, the Expo features live captioning on stage, a Quiet Hour on Saturday from 9am–10am, trained assistance animal‑friendly spaces, accessible parking and drop‑off zones, and limited wheelchairs available free of charge (photo ID required as security).
Catch Michael live on stage on Friday, 25th of September at 11:00am.
Held at EPIC (Exhibition Centre in Canberra), Friday 25 & Saturday 26 September, the Expo is free to attend. Register at www.canberradisabilityexpo.com.au/attend-expo/
Learn more about Milton’s incredible journey at www.michaelmilton.com/