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Pursuing Paralympic history in Nordic skiing—support Dave Miln’s journey to Milano Cortina 2026 as he represents Australia and inspires resilience

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<h2>By way of introduction</h2>My name is Dave Miln, and I’m an Australian Defence Force (ADF) member and Paralympic Nordic athlete, working toward representing Australia at the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games in Milano-Cortina, competing in Para Nordic Skiing and Biathlon.After 20 years of service across the Royal Marine Commandos, British Clearance Divers, and Australian Clearance Divers, I’ve built my life around discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These same qualities now drive my mission to become the first Australian Para Nordic athlete in more than 20 years to compete at the Winter Paralympics. <h2>Why Paralympics</h2>In December 2022, while posted to the United States representing the ADF, my family and I were involved in a devastating accident on the snow — an environment that has since become both a source of trauma and a symbol of renewal.While on the way to my daughters’ ski lesson, we were struck by a mechanical snow blower. My actions that morning protected my daughters — my youngest beneath me and my eldest shielded as best I could — while my wife made the split-second decisions that saved our lives.I sustained catastrophic injuries, including the loss of both legs (above the knee on the left, below the knee on the right), multiple spinal fractures, a shattered femur, and a broken pelvis. Over the following year, I underwent 25 surgeries and an intense rehabilitation process.Sport became a cornerstone of recovery. Representing the ADF at the 2024 U.S. Department of Defense Warrior Games reignited my competitive drive and introduced me to adaptive sport. That experience led me to Para Nordic skiing and Para Biathlon — sports that demand endurance, precision, and mental control, reflecting the mindset of my military career.There is currently no established Australian Para Nordic pathway, meaning every competition, training camp, and piece of equipment must be self-funded. For me, this journey is about more than personal achievement — it’s about proving what’s possible and rebuilding life through purpose, performance, and perseverance. <h2>Where your money goes</h2>Preparing for Milano-Cortina 2026 requires extensive international travel and equipment investment. Each overseas training and competition block costs approximately $20,000–$25,000, covering flights, accommodation, transport, race entry, insurance, and coaching.A return airfare to Europe or North America costs about $4,000, accommodation for a three-week campaign exceeds $10,000, and vehicle hire adds around $7,000. Race fees range from $200–$1,000, with competition insurance roughly $700 per event.<h3>Equipment costs</h3><ul><li>Custom carbon-fibre sit ski: approx. $5,000 each, built to individual biomechanics for speed and control.</li><li>Nordic skis (Fischer factory): $1,200 per pair, with several sets required for different snow conditions.</li><li>Poles: $500–$800 per pair, matched to terrain and race distance.</li><li>Biathlon air rifle (.177 calibre): approx. $6,000, plus licencing and ammunition.</li></ul>This campaign also carries a family cost. Each international block takes me away from home for up to six weeks at a time — difficult for my wife Clare, and our young daughters, Isla and Anna. Due to the financial strain of travel and logistics, they are unable to join me overseas or attend major competitions. Their support from afar, while managing everything at home, is an enormous part of this journey — and every contribution helps ease that load, keeping our family connected as we push toward the Paralympic start line.All funds raised through this page go directly toward training, competition, and equipment — helping me represent Australia at the highest level while building a pathway for future Para Nordic athletes. <h2>Upcoming events</h2>2025<ul><li>January–February: Six-week competition block in Canmore, Canada, for the Para Cross Country and Biathlon World Cup series.</li></ul>2026<ul><li>January: Para Cross Country and Biathlon World Cup – Germany</li><li>Late January: Para Cross Country and Biathlon World Cup – Poland</li><li>February: Three-week pre-Paralympic Games camp – Austria</li><li>6–15 March: Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, Italy</li></ul> <h2>Thank you</h2>Thank you for taking the time to read my story. It’s not an easy one to tell, but I share it to show that even in the most extreme circumstances, purpose and resilience can rebuild a life.Your support — whether through donations or simply sharing this story — helps make this journey possible, not only for me but for the next generation of Australian Para Nordic athletes who will follow this path.Together, we can show what it means to turn adversity into achievement — and carry the spirit of resilience from the military to the mountains.

Dave Miln - Paralympic Winter Games 2026