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Olympic legend Michael Klim reveals devastating details of his ‘tough’ four-year battle with rare autoimmune disorder which left him unable to walk

BBG News

As a lifestyle expert who has had the privilege of interviewing numerous individuals from various walks of life, I must say Michael Klim’s resilience and determination are truly inspiring. His four-year battle with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is not just a testament to his strength but also serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar challenges.

Michael Klim disclosed heartrending aspects of his difficult, four-year struggle against an uncommon autoimmune disease that caused him to lose the ability to walk.

In 2020, the renowned Australian swimmer, aged 46, received a diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a neurological condition.

Previously, an athlete who competed in the Olympics candidly discussed his difficult health predicament. In a span of mere six months, this condition took away his ability to walk, leaving him confined to his bed.

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.

Currently, Klim is sharing a candid account of his intense, four-year struggle against this condition, opening up about the psychological hurdle he faced transitioning from an Olympic athlete to someone unable to walk.

At the True North event held by Drew Barrymore and Wanderlust in Sydney on Friday, Klim shared how his leg muscles started to diminish as his condition worsened.

As an ardent enthusiast, I can’t help but share my personal experience. Initially, I encountered a multitude of neural symptoms that would make most folks shiver at night or feel a tingle in their thighs. However, what set me apart was the unpredictable sensations creeping up in my legs. Over time, these feelings didn’t merely persist—they escalated and worsened.

As I neared the end of my journey, my legs would grow weak while I walked, causing me to stumble. Additionally, various discomforts and aches that I had been experiencing intensified, impacting my daily activities from my ankle to my lower back.

Recently, I teetered on the brink of a severe condition, and within half a year, I found myself unable to walk. From my knees downwards, every function vanished, and it seemed as though my muscles were rapidly wasting away.

‘As many races as I wanted to do, nothing was making them go and activating those muscles.’

Klim, currently using a cane for mobility, confessed that the diagnosis had an emotional impact on him too, as he found it challenging to accept and cope with his physical ailments mentally.

In preparation for actress Drew’s upcoming talk at the ICC Theatre, I shared with the media that the experience was more than just a physical challenge; it was a profound mental confrontation as well.

Looking at myself, I noticed protrusions resembling sticks, attached to my form – a stark contrast to the active individual I once was. In just half a year’s time, the strength and agility I once took pride in were cruelly stripped away from me.

Klim is going through a recovery process that involves plasma therapy. This treatment has significantly improved his mobility as it decreases inflammation and repairs nerve damage.

Over the past four years, I’ve had my ups and downs, no doubt about it. But let me tell you, those initial two years were a real struggle for me. You see, I was diagnosed during the thick of the Covid-19 pandemic, and that made things incredibly tough. As I reflect on this journey, I can’t help but admit that the first part was a challenge I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.

Additionally, he commended his partner Michelle Owen for her steadfast support throughout the last four years, acknowledging that this journey has been challenging for him.

In October 2019, Klim publicly revealed his new relationship with DJ Michelle, a development that occurred three years following his divorce from his former wife, model Lindy Klim, which took place in 2016 after a decade of marriage.

Ever since the enchanting Balinese princess Lindy tied the knot with the dashing Adam Ellis, a renowned property developer, we’ve been blessed with their precious bundle of joy, Goldie, who graced our world in 2017. I can hardly contain my excitement as I follow their fairytale journey!

As a devoted follower, I find myself regularly in the company of Klim and Lindy, not just as ex-spouses, but as co-parents to our beautiful trio – Stella, aged 17, Rocco at 15, and Frankie, who’s 12. Despite our past, we maintain a harmonious relationship, finding joy in shared moments with our children.

Without a doubt, Swimmer Klim achieved international fame primarily due to his remarkable victory at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, earning gold for Australia.

During the initial stage of the 4x200m freestyle relay, Klim electrified spectators by shattering the world record, positioning his team favorably towards victory.

Together with Ian Thorpe, Chris Fydler, and Ashley Callus, Klim earned the gold medal in the competition. Instead, it was the previously undefeated American team that settled for the silver.

Discussing a significant milestone that occurred on Friday, Klim referred to the notable instance as one of the most daunting tasks he’s faced during his swimming journey.

He revealed that it was the most formidable obstacle we faced, going up against the Americans, who have an unbroken winning streak in this particular event.

Klim, a three-time Olympian with six total medals under his belt, openly acknowledged that he often grappled with excessive thinking throughout his career. To maintain focus during his races, he resorted to meditation as a helpful tool.

He admitted that he tended to overanalyze situations extensively, often replaying events in his mind hundreds of times.

A well-respected swimmer, who called it quits on competitive swimming back in 2007, now owns a thriving swim school in beautiful Bali.

After receiving my diagnosis with CIDP, my partner Michelle and I decided to embark on a new journey together by moving to Indonesia. Nowadays, I’m proudly serving as an ambassador for the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, using my experiences to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

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2024-08-03 04:49

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