‘A Glimpse Into What It’s Like’: Hanlon Grateful For Loved Ones’ Support

Josh Hanlon will leave the Milano Cortina Paralympics with no regrets about his performances, pleased that his loved ones got a rare opportunity to see him compete and grateful for the he’s created for himself as one of the nation’s best Para alpine skiers.  

Hanlon’s packed program ended on Sunday, the final day of competition, with a ninth-place finish in the slalom, his best result of the Games. It follows a solid run, including 10^th in giant slalom and 12^th in alpine combined. 

“Really happy with that one. Happy to make it down in a pretty good time, super happy,” Hanlon said.  “I felt fine in the gate and felt fine during the run. Not nervous or anything. I attacked it, gave it everything.” 

The Josh ‘Chooka’ Hanlon fan club has been in full voice throughout the Games, including on the final day, despite concerns some couldn’t get to the venue after it snowed heavily overnight.  

“They get a glimpse into what it’s like,” Hanlon said.  “They had a bit of fun this morning when it bucketed down snow and they’re like, ‘Shit, how are we going to get to the hill?’ I’m like, ‘Well, this happens quite often. You just got to deal with it. Put some chains on and work it out’.  

“No, it’s been really fun, it’s an experience that I haven’t had before. It’s been nice to have everyone here for the week, it’s nice to have your loved ones to experience special moments.” 

That realisation puts into perspective the fact that Hanlon has spent five years on the road chasing his sporting dreams. It’s a life that has been exciting and interesting but has kept him away from home for long periods.  

“I think that’s the toughest thing is in this sport, is that we’re doing it away from home, months at a time not with loved ones and only communicating on the phone. It’s super tough,” he said.  

The flipside, however, is: “I love skiing. I love travelling and whatnot. Skiing’s given me a whole new life.  

“I’ve skied seven or eight months a year for the last five years. It’s a life most people don’t have and I’ve enjoyed every second of it.” 

Also competing on the final day, Michael Milton finished 20^th in the standing class.  

Asked if he had fun competing at the Games, Milton said: “Absolutely not. I’m not sure I had any fun at all this week. Lots of reasons for that. There are some goals that have a tick by them, but not that one.  

“I raced, I didn’t fall and, coming into these Games post-injury, one of the big goals was not to fall over. There’s a tick by that one, but there’s a price to pay for that tick, in terms of the way that I’ve skied and how hard I’ve been able to go.” 

David Sygall, Paralympics Australia