PERSONAL BEST FOR MILTON
Posted:
2008 Paralympic Games, Beijing, Sunday 7 September 2008
Michael Milton celebrated his sixth Paralympic Games today by shaving 1.5 seconds off his personal best time in the kilo time trial.
The skier-turned-cyclist whose dream of cycling in Beijing was scuttled when he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in July 2007 was delighted with the result.
'I felt strong and comfortable on the bike. It's just so great to be here. It's a dream come true after the last 18 months,' said Milton.
He finished ninth with Australia's Greg Ball winning the bronze medal.
'Greg did a great job. He really rode well to take that bronze. In fact, the Australian team had a great day with six medals, including two gold. It's wonderful to be part of it,' he said.
Milton's favoured event is the 3000m Individual Pursuit scheduled for Tuesday. He said he will rest and recover tomorrow in preparation.
'I'm a real outside medal chance. My plan is to ride my best possible race and enjoy the experience. I'm really quite relaxed because there's not the same pressure on me to perform as there has been with skiing,' said Milton.
