Brave Michael Klim completes Noosa beach swim in first race since shock diagnosis
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Inspiring photos show Michael Klim completing his first ocean race since his devastating health diagnosis: ‘The hardest 2km I’ve ever swum in my life!’
- Michael Klim in first race since CIDP diagnosis in 2020
- Retired Olympic champion swam 2km in Noosa
- Klim now relies on a cane and walking braces
Olympic champion Michael Klim has shown his incredible never-give-up spirit by completing an ocean swim despite his ongoing serious health battles.
The retired big butterfly, who was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2020, took part in a grueling 2km swim on the Sunshine Coast, sharing the feat with his Instagram followers.
“Completed my first summer swim in Noosa (since my diagnosis),” Klim wrote in a post.
‘Definitely the hardest 2 km I’ve ever swum!’
Klim, with his good friend and CIDP partner Steve Pullen, heads towards the finish line at the Noosa Swim Challenge
The former Olympic champion (in the Noosa race above) confirmed it’s his first competitive swim since his CIDP diagnosis in 2020.
Klim’s celebrity friends were quick to congratulate the swimming legend who now relies on leg braces and walking aids to get around and will ultimately require a wheelchair.
‘Get it brother! You’re a stud!’ wrote garden guru Jamie Durie.
Singer Casey Burgess wrote: “Get it, legend,” while chef Miguel Maestre posted a series of clapping emojis.
Klim, now 45, moved to Bali shortly after he was first diagnosed with the rare autoimmune disorder in his arms and legs and now runs a successful swimming school business.
Despite his diagnosis, Klim continues to swim regularly and work out at the gym and preach his message of staying active, encouraging Australians to jump in their local sea or pool and take on a challenge with him for a good cause.
Klim has teamed up with Brainwave Australia and is asking the country to swim every day for the entire month of March to raise money for children with brain injuries and diseases.
Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim hasn’t let his autoimmune disorder diagnosis stop him
The Brainwave Klim Swim Challenge expects everyone involved to swim a collective 34,000km and raise over $300,000 for children with brain disorders.
Speaking about the challenge, Michael said: ‘Swimming has given me my purpose, motivation, challenges and rewards in life. This March, it’s time to use swimming to raise awareness about neurological conditions that affect thousands of Australians and me too.
“We will also be raising vital funds for Brainwave Australia for children with brain injuries and diseases and families.”
Every day in Australia, 10 children are diagnosed with neurological conditions, and Brainwave supports many of these families across the country and many more will need it as the year progresses.
Despite his determination to continue training and swimming, Michael recently spoke about how much chronic illness has affected his physical health.
Klim was among dozens of competitors who participated in the popular annual Noosa Swim Challenge.
Despite his determination to continue training and swimming, Michael recently spoke about how much chronic illness has affected his physical health.
He can now only stand on one leg and told Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr that the effects of the disease are “difficult to fathom.”
While doctors can’t do much to help him, Michael said he’s doing everything he can with diet and exercise to live his life to the fullest.
He previously had back surgery to help decompress the nerves in his spine and is regularly treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, which helps reduce conditions that attack the body’s immune system.
Those who want to participate in the challenge or donate can do so here at www.klimswimchallenge.com.au
The swimmer previously underwent back surgery to help decompress the nerves in his spine.