In the dark. Into the dark. It is the condition in which Michele Milli finds himself, ever since he lost his sight in an accident. But it is also the name of the project of those who, together with him, believe that nothing is impossible, that disability is not a limit. Because in the darkness Michele Milli found autonomy, opportunities, moments to seize. So, after the “first time” on Monte Vettore, he identified childhood friend Daniele Caratelli as the person with whom to share the dream of reaching higher and higher. Meanwhile, he treated himself to an “appetizer”, climbing the queen of the Dolomites, the Marmolada, up to the Capanna Punta Penia. But the most ambitious goal (at the moment!) is the conquest of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in Europe, to celebrate its first forty years. «It will be in June, but it depends on many factors, not least the weather», he anticipates while the countdown is in full swing.
«The starting point from a physical point of view is provided by judo, however I am preparing myself with some uphill runs (the day before yesterday “just” fourteen kilometers – ed.), with exercises to improve resistance and when possible by climbing up to 1500-1600 meters”. A meticulous timetable including the general rehearsal. «On Monte Rosa, up to Capanna Margherita: it is above four thousand metres, but the route is less difficult than that of Mont Blanc, it will be an opportunity to test the physical response to those heights». The mountain chosen “to feel less different or more equal to others”. But “to best face this great challenge, in addition to hard and complex preparation, we must equip ourselves with specific equipment and make use of specialized guides”, he explains, opening an online fundraiser on the Gofundme platform. Objective, ten thousand euros. Meanwhile, this afternoon, Michele and Daniele will carry the flag of peace to the almost thousand meters of the Cross of Monte Acuto, the mountain that dominates Umbertide, not forgetting World Women’s Day with a mimosa. But first love is never forgotten.
This is why Michele Milli continues to fight on the tatami wearing the kimono of his club, the Kodokan Fratta, and of the Paralympic national team. Last month he confirmed himself among the best judokas in the world, entering the top ten at the Ibsa Grand Prix in Heidelberg, Germany in the 73 kilogram category. «He’s worth more, he just needs to find continuity and serenity to prove it», comments Mirco Diarena, Kodokan coach. «Nothing is impossible, you just need to want it», is the mental attitude that pushed Michele to overcome a very difficult moment in his life. It was January 27, 2008 when a rifle shot inadvertently fired by a hunting companion, which was muffled by the windshield of the car he was in, caused irreversible damage to his eyes. After trying to recover his sight, Michele chose to react, supported by his family, first of all, and by his friends. He was the first blind student to graduate in physiotherapy, he opened his own studio and between one client and another he manages to cultivate his great passions: judo and the mountains.
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2024-03-08 08:20:58
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