Latest news with #MichaelKlim
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Australian swimming legend Michael Klim opens up on devastating battle with rare autoimmune disorder and symptoms he wishes he hadn't ignored
Michael Klim has revealed details about his five-year battle with a rare autoimmune disorder which left him unable to walk - and the symptoms he wishes he took more seriously. The Aussie swimming legend, 47, was diagnosed with the neurological disorder chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2020. The former triple Olympian has spoken openly about the challenging diagnosis, which saw him lose the ability to walk in just six months and left him bedridden. He says he didn't treat the condition with the gravity it deserved when he first got symptoms. 'I neglected a lot of my symptoms at the onset and I think in a very typical male fashion didn't act fast enough,' he told News Corp. 'So, if anything comes out of our chat, I hope it's going to see a doctor even if the symptoms are as simple as getting cold feet when you go to bed or having numbness in your toes or your feet. I neglected some of those. 'I had a great team around me but something that was instilled in me as an athlete was that we push through a lot of our discomforts and I continued to do that even in life after sport, which didn't really lend itself to longevity in life. 'Unfortunately, I had my very heart stop when I lost the ability to walk and I think it took me about two years to come to terms with accepting the fact - or almost, it was like there was a grieving period of two years of accepting the fact that my physical ability may never be the same, I may never be able to walk like a normal person, I will be compromised. 'But finding a new purpose in life - I was always very driven and active and very quantitative in that I was very opportunistic and attending many things and being involved in many projects. CIDP causes the body to attack its own tissue - the myelin sheaths which insulate and protect the nerves - causing weakness and lack of feeling in the arms and legs. Klim says batting the disorder has taught him a lot. 'There was a lot of time of darkness because there is no cure and you're living in a period of uncertainty - not just yourself as a patient, but your entire support network. 'That was the hardest thing. Previously, my injuries - if I had a rotator cuff injury or sprained ankle - I knew the protocol and knew exactly when I'd be back. 'But this has been something different and something new and it's definitely taught me a lot of lessons.' Klim says his rare condition has made him more aware of other people and what they might be going through. 'Let's say 30% of people with CIDP may make a full remission, 30% - where I seem to be fitting at the moment - remain stagnant for the rest of their life, and then 30% of people end up with paralysis, full paralysis or in a wheelchair. 'Even when I wear my braces and I've got my pants on, most people look at me and say, "Gee, you're so fit". 'I've got my upper body and am still trying to look after myself, but you just don't know what hardship people are going through underneath.'
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Michael Klim doesn't look like this anymore! Olympic swimmer shows off his new style as he spends time with his family in Noosa
He's best known for his ripped physique, bald head and fierce stare from his days dominating Olympic swimming pools. But Michael Klim looked worlds away from his former life as an elite athlete as he showed off a new softer, laid-back look while spending time with his family on holiday in Noosa. In a series of candid photos shared by his daughter Stella to Instagram on Monday, Michael, 47, appeared relaxed and smiling as he donned a black T-shirt and apron at a cooking demonstration for Pork Star Live by Australian Pork. Another photo showed Michael posing with Stella on a scenic balcony, both dressed in stylish black outfits as they beamed beside the ocean. Gone was the intense, chiselled look fans remember from his modelling campaigns and Olympic heyday - replaced with a wholesome, smiley family man vibe. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'So great to have the family together for @noosaeatdrink,' Michael commented under Stella's post, which was quickly flooded with love heart emojis from fans. It comes as Michael confirms he's gearing up for a major life change. After more than a decade living in Bali, the Olympian has revealed he is planning a permanent move back to Australia. 'At the moment I'm still in Bali and coming back-and-forth, but definitely at some point in the near future we will be heading back to Oz to be with both of the kids,' he told the Daily Telegraph. '[Daughter] Stella is with me here in Bali, so we're kind of still in limbo at the moment.' Michael moved to Bali in 2012 and currently resides there with his partner Michelle Owen. But the decision to return Down Under has reportedly been influenced by his ex-wife Lindy Klim's recent relocation back to Australia. Michael's revelation comes after he recently gave an update on his health. The Olympian was diagnosed with the neurological disorder chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2020 and told The Project this week that he was doing well. Asked how he was doing in terms of his health battle, Michael was optimistic. 'I'm feeling really well. My life has stabilised physically and mentally' he explained, before answering a question on whether he was in any pain. 'My mobility is compromised. But I've got some great AFOs, are kind of prosthetics. Some of my favourite things like surfing and playing tennis are out of the question, but I had a ski for the first time in 12 years last year' he said. Michael said there were 'a lot of things' he couldn't do, but many he could, and added that he was now focused on his foundation, The KLIM Foundation, which is raising funds and awareness for CIDP. 'With the foundation, it's what we're trying to do, enable a lot of sufferers, give them their life back' he said. 'Not only can we do it through blood donations, AFOs, having the right physio, having that support, and also counselling.' Michael recently detailed his 'tough' four-year battle with the disorder and spoke about the mental challenge of going from being an Olympian to not being able to walk. Speaking at Drew Barrymore and Wanderlust's True North event in Sydney in July, Michael explained how his leg muscles began 'disappearing' as he deteriorated. 'I had a lot of neural symptoms early on - most people would get cold feet at night time or you'd get a tingling on your quad - but I started getting these random feelings in my legs and they started progressing and getting worse,' he shared. 'Towards the end, my legs would give way on me when I was walking back. All my other aches and pains started popping up even more, affecting my everyday lifestyle from my ankle to my back. Michael - who is now able to walk with the assistance of a cane - admitted the diagnosis also took a mental toll as he struggled to come to terms with his physical symptoms. 'It was really confronting mentally, not just physically,' he explained while speaking to press ahead of actress Drew's talk event at the ICC Theatre. 'I could look down and see these sticks hanging off my body, which for someone that used to pride myself on my physical ability, that was taken away within six months.' Michael undergoes rehabilitation including plasma treatment, which has helped him to become more mobile by reducing inflammation and restoring nerve damage. He also praised his girlfriend Michelle Owen for her support over the past four years as he admitted it has been a difficult journey. Klim first unveiled his romance with DJ Michelle in October 2019, three years after his split from his model ex-wife Lindy Klim in 2016 after 10 years of marriage. Meanwhile, Lindy recently moved back to Australia following her split with husband of six years, Adam Ellis with whom the Balinese Princess shares daughter Goldie, seven. Michael and Lindy share three children - Stella, 18, Rocco, 16, and Frankie, 13.
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Michael Klim eyes off a return to Australia after a decade in Bali: 'I am being enticed'
Michael Klim has revealed that he is planning a permanent move back to Australia, after living in Bali for more than a decade. The Aussie swimming legend, 47, moved to Bali in 2012, and currently lives on the Indonesian island with partner Michelle Owen. Following his ex wife Lindy's recent move from Bali to Australia, Michael says he's being 'enticed' back Down Under. 'At the moment I'm still in Bali and coming back-and-forth, but definitely at some point in the near future we will be heading back to Oz to be with both of the kids,' Michael told the Daily Telegraph. '[Daughter] Stella is with me here in Bali, so we're kind of still in limbo at the moment.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Michael added, that while he calls Bali 'home' after 13 years, the opportunity to be in the country, particularly for the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane, could be too good to pass up. 'We have been in Bali for 13 years, so it feels like home, but with Brisbane 2032 happening and so many exciting things up in Queensland, I think I am being enticed back,' he said. Michael's revelation comes after he recently gave an update on his health. The Olympian was diagnosed with the neurological disorder chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2020 and told The Project this week that he was doing well. Asked how he was doing in terms of his health battle, Michael was optimistic. 'I'm feeling really well. My life has stabilised physically and mentally' he explained, before answering a question on whether he was in any pain. 'My mobility is compromised. But I've got some great AFOs, are kind of prosthetics. Some of my favourite things like surfing and playing tennis are out of the question, but I had a ski for the first time in 12 years last year' he said. Michael said there were 'a lot of things' he couldn't do, but many he could, and added that he was now focused on his foundation, The KLIM Foundation, which is raising funds and awareness for CIDP. 'With the foundation, it's what we're trying to do, enable a lot of sufferers, give them their life back' he said. 'Not only can we do it through blood donations, AFOs, having the right physio, having that support, and also counselling.' Michael recently detailed his 'tough' four-year battle with the disorder and spoke about the mental challenge of going from being an Olympian to not being able to walk. Speaking at Drew Barrymore and Wanderlust's True North event in Sydney in July, Michael explained how his leg muscles began 'disappearing' as he deteriorated. 'I had a lot of neural symptoms early on - most people would get cold feet at night time or you'd get a tingling on your quad - but I started getting these random feelings in my legs and they started progressing and getting worse,' he shared. 'Towards the end, my legs would give way on me when I was walking back. All my other aches and pains started popping up even more, affecting my everyday lifestyle from my ankle to my back. Michael - who is now able to walk with the assistance of a cane - admitted the diagnosis also took a mental toll as he struggled to come to terms with his physical symptoms. 'It was really confronting mentally, not just physically,' he explained while speaking to press ahead of actress Drew's talk event at the ICC Theatre. 'I could look down and see these sticks hanging off my body, which for someone that used to pride myself on my physical ability, that was taken away within six months.' Michael undergoes rehabilitation including plasma treatment, which has helped him to become more mobile by reducing inflammation and restoring nerve damage. He also praised his girlfriend Michelle Owen for her support over the past four years as he admitted it has been a difficult journey. Klim first unveiled his romance with DJ Michelle in October 2019, three years after his split from his model ex-wife Lindy Klim in 2016 after 10 years of marriage. Meanwhile, Lindy recently moved back to Australia following her split with husband of six years, Adam Ellis with whom the Balinese Princess shares daughter Goldie, seven. Michael and Lindy share three children - Stella, 18, Rocco, 16, and Frankie, 13.
Sky News AU
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Sky News AU
'I'm mixing it up': Aussie swimming legend Michael Klim rocks striking new look as he bravely opens up about his rare autoimmune disease
Australian swimming great Michael Klim has debuted a bold new look as he launches a foundation dedicated to raising awareness and funding research into Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), the rare autoimmune condition he was diagnosed with in 2020. The 47-year-old, best known for his stellar performance at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, where he took home gold in the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays, as well as silver in the 100m butterfly and 4x100m medley relay, first began noticing symptoms several years ago. Initially attributing them to the toll of elite sport, further testing revealed Klim had CIDP - a disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, particularly in the lower limbs. Appearing on The Project on Tuesday night from his home in Bali, the father-of-three showcased his new facial hair and opened up about the challenges of living with the condition. "I'm just mixing it up, you know?" he said of the goatee. "I've had one look for 47 years, so I had to come up with something different." Despite his diagnosis, Klim said he's now in a good place physically and mentally. "I'm feeling really well. Life has really stabilised physically and mentally since the diagnosis five years ago," he said, adding that the launch of his new charity, The Klim Foundation, felt like the natural next step. "I feel like I'm up for the challenge- it's going to be a big one- but I think my history has given me a lot of insight and knowledge which I can now pass onto others that are going through this pretty tough journey." The Polish-born Australian also spoke about how CIDP has affected his mobility. "My mobility is compromised," he said, explaining he uses AFOs, ankle-foot orthoses, to help him stay mobile. "With that assistance, I can still do most things. Unfortunately, some of my favourite things like surfing and playing tennis are kind of out of the question. "But I had a ski for the first time in 12 years last year, so there are still a lot of things that you can do." The goal of The Klim Foundation, he said, is to empower others living with CIDP and help them reclaim their lives. "That can be achieved through things like blood donations, AFOs, the right physios, and also having the support of counsellors," he said. "For me, mentally coming out of that hole and realising that life still had a lot to give was probably the biggest win." The foundation was founded by Klim alongside his partner of two years, Michelle Owen. It's board includes some of the biggest names in sport- Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett and even Klim's former rival, American swimmer Gary Hall Jr, who once famously said he would "smash him like a guitar". "The boys just wanted to help me raise the awareness of this condition," Klim said. "We do have a board that's got a lot of experience," he added, referencing key members like Paul Bird from Mission Australia, Mark Saubi from Mark Sowerby, and his best friend, former Olympic table tennis player David Zalcberg. "…It's going to take a group of champions to find not only a cure but to overcome this challenge." Reflecting on Hall Jr's involvement, Klim laughed as he recalled their former rivalry. "Gary - he's a diabetic, he's been in the medical field most of this life. He is probably the only Olympic gold medallist with diabetes," Klim said. "He loves Australia, even though some of the Aussies don't like him. "I'm going to make it my mission he'll be a favoured Aussie very soon."
Herald Sun
19-05-2025
- Health
- Herald Sun
Swimmer Micheal Klim launches charity and gives CIDP auto-immune condition health update
Don't miss out on the headlines from Health. Followed categories will be added to My News. Champion swimmer Michael Klim has revealed his 'favourite things' are 'out of the question' as he continues to battle a rare auto-immune condition. Klim has launched a charity which funds research into Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy – the same condition which is attacking the former Olympian's nerves. The gold medallist appeared on Channel 10's The Project to launch the Klim Foundation and give an update on his health. Fans were stunned to see the handsome athlete, who normally sports a completely bald look, pulling off an impressive goatee. 'I'm mixing it up. I had one look for 47 years. I had to come up with something different,' Klim joked when asked about his new crop of facial hair. He also added he was 'feeling really well' despite ongoing health challenges. 'My life has stabilised physically and mentally. It's become a – the right time now for myself, Michelle (his partner), the family, and, the board we put together, to launch the Klim Foundation and get out and help other sufferers. I feel up to the challenge,' Klim said. Speaking from his home in Bali, Klim added CIDP continues to wreak havoc on his body. 'My mobility is compromised. But I've got some great AFOs, are kind of prosthetics,' he said. 'Some of my favourite things like surfing and playing tennis are out of the question, but I had a ski for the first time in 12 years last year. 'Still a lot of things you can do. So, with the foundation, it's what we're trying to do, enable a lot of sufferers, give them their life back.' Klim said he not only signed up swimming pals Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett to join the foundation board, but also recruited former rival, American Gary Hall Jr who once threatened to 'smash him like a guitar.' 'Gary – he's a diabetic, he's been in the medical field most of this life. He is probably the only Olympic gold medallist with diabetes,' Klim said. 'He loves Australia, even though some of the Aussies don't like him. 'I'm going to make it my mission he'll be a favoured Aussie very soon.' People can donate to the Klim Foundation here. Originally published as Michael Klim sports handsome goatee as he launches charity
