Australian swimming legend Michael Klim has conquered countless challenges in the pool, but his toughest test to date falls outside the sporting arena.
In 2020, Klim was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disorder that attacks the peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness and sensory loss.
“It hit me pretty hard in the first 12 months, but I was inundated with support and love and felt I had to use my profile for good,” Michael said.
So instead of giving up, he has stepped up.
Through the Klim Foundation and in partnership with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, he’s become a passionate advocate for awareness, research, and support for people living with CIDP.
“At the moment we are the only CIDP body in Australia, which is really sad when there are at least 3,000 people with the condition,” he explained.
“There’s one global foundation, but nothing domestic, so while there is a great sense of responsibility with running one, I feel really empowered by the fact we are changing lives, not only for the patient but for the caretakers too.”
This month, Michael received his regular intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH) for the first time, praising the care and compassion shown by the team.
“It’s amazing - just walking in the foyer, it’s so easy to find and a very impressive hospital,” he said.
“You want to know that you can come in, see a friendly face and be looked after, and that’s definitely the impression I had here straight away.”
IVIG therapy is a critical treatment for CIDP, helping to reduce inflammation and maintain muscle function.
For Michael, these infusions are essential to preserving his quality of life and independence.
And it’s not just the treatment he is grateful for, but the blood donors who make it possible.
Each treatment, which he requires across two days every six weeks, is made up of 32 blood donations or six plasma donations.
“Without that product I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.
“Becoming an ambassador for Lifeblood gave me a new purpose and sense of responsibility.”
“So many people reach out and say they have never met anyone with CIDP before,” he said.
“I try to share realistic parts of my experience, showing my leg braces while still being active and promoting a healthy lifestyle.”
While the condition has changed his daily routine, it certainly hasn’t dampened his spirit.
“The moment I accepted my condition, I accepted everything else that comes with it,” he said.
“The initial thought can be to simply give up because it’s really tough and unpredictable.
“But bit by bit, my improvement has come not just from the treatment, but from my mindset and lifestyle.”
Through advocacy, education, and sheer determination, Michael is proving resilience and determination are just as powerful as any Olympic stroke.
