MILTON CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR

Michael was a special guest at celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year in Canberra on 17 February. As one of two Olympic Torch Bearers chosen by the Canberra community, Michael made a short speech to the crowd, joking that he doubted he would be running on the day.

'I don't know why they call it "running with the torch". I carried the torch for Athens and Sydney and I have never seen anyone run with the torch. In fact I got in trouble for running once. It's such an honour to be a torch bearer that you want it to last as long as possible. Everyone walks,' he said with a laugh.

Milton's wife Penni is also involved in the torch relay as part of a 500-strong choir that will accompany the torch on its journey through Canberra.

Canberra is the only Australian city in the Beijing Torch Relay.