?I Use A Walking Stick?: Olympic Legend Battling Incurable Disease Opens Up On Mobility Issues

Six-time Olympic medalist Michael Klim is experiencing an unfortunate event that no athlete wishes to go through. The swimming ace suffered from an incurable nervous condition and lost the majority of his mobility. Being an athlete, it is unimaginable to understand what it feels like to be unable to move much and adapt to a 360? change in lifestyle.

Polish-born Australian swimmer is a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a holder of several world records. He is Australia’s one of the most celebrated swimmers, acing multiple types of swimming techniques. Moreover, he is also known as the creator of straight-arm freestyle.

What happened to Michael Klim’s swimming career?

In 2019, Klim was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), an incurable auto-immune disorder which is a slowly developing illness that attacks the body?s nerves. It made Klim lose the majority of his muscles and sensation. He went through a pretty tough phase when he discovered that he would not be able to swim again.

Klim opened up about his mobility struggles in an interview with 7 News.com.au. He stated, ?I?ve stabilised but my mobility is still very much compromised, most of the time I use a walking stick around the pool deck.?

He continued,??I plan simple things, when I?m going to the shops I have to plan how far I have to walk … to get my groceries.? Moreover, on discovering his health condition, Klim went through a grieving phase for a couple of years but eventually made peace with it.

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At times, the swimmer blames his past for his condition today. CIDP is a genetic issue with no cure. However, according to Klim, it is not genetic in his case. He recalled that before his championships, the swimmer would over practice. It was his way of feeling confident about winning the competitions. Although his determination gave him many rewards, ultimately he lost his mobility. Klim feels that probably his habit of overpracting results in his auto-immune disorder. The swimmer believes that talking about his health condition will raise awareness and help in finding a cure for it.

What does Michael Klim do today?

Michael Klim continues to go under treatment. He spends a great time with his partner Michelle in Bali for almost the entire year. He runs a swim school, Klim Swim, along with her there.

Klim does visit Sydney at times for his treatment. Moreover, he feels grateful for the support that he has received from Australia and the swimming community.

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