He has stared down Olympic rivals and sliced through water with machine-like precision. Yet that was the easy part.
Now the champion finds himself in a contest with no lane ropes, no finish line, and no applause—only grit.
In 2020, Australian swimming great Michael Klim was diagnosed with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare neurological autoimmune disorder that strikes nerves instead of competitors.
His journey since has become a masterclass in resilience—and a timely reminder to all of us about the importance of listening to our bodies.
From Olympic glory to unexpected struggle
For many Australians, Michael Klim is synonymous with Olympic triumph. A triple Olympian and one of our most decorated swimmers, Klim’s career was built on pushing through pain and adversity.
But as he candidly admits, that same ‘push through’ mentality may have worked against him when it came to his health.
‘I neglected a lot of my symptoms at the onset and I think in a very typical male fashion didn’t act fast enough,’ Klim recently shared.
‘If anything comes out of our chat, I hope it’s that readers will go 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.’
What is CIDP?
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a mouthful, but understanding it could be life-changing.
CIDP is a rare autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheaths—the protective coverings of the nerves.
This leads to progressive weakness, numbness, and loss of function, typically in the arms and legs.
Symptoms can be subtle at first: tingling, numbness, or a feeling of ‘pins and needles’ in the extremities. Over time, these can progress to muscle weakness, difficulty walking, and even paralysis.
For Klim, the progression was rapid—within six months, he lost the ability to walk and became bedridden.
The importance of early detection
Klim’s story is a powerful reminder that early intervention can make a world of difference. ‘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,’ he reflected.
It’s a sentiment many of us can relate to—brushing off aches and pains, attributing them to age or overexertion, and putting off that doctor’s appointment.
But as Klim’s experience shows, sometimes those little warning signs are your body’s way of telling you something more serious is going on.
Living with uncertainty—and finding new purpose
Unlike a sprained ankle or a torn rotator cuff, CIDP doesn’t come with a clear recovery timeline. ‘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,’ Klim said.
He described a two-year period of ‘grieving’ for the life and physical abilities he once had. But through this struggle, Klim has found new purpose.
‘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,’ he said.
Now, he’s channelled that drive into raising awareness and supporting others facing similar battles.
A new perspective on hidden struggles
One of the most profound lessons Klim has learned is the importance of empathy. ‘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.’
It’s a powerful reminder that many people are fighting invisible battles. Whether it’s a chronic illness, mental health challenge, or something else entirely, a little kindness and understanding can go a long way.
Credit: The Project, Michael Klim / Instagram
What are the odds—and what can you do?
CIDP is rare, but it’s not the only condition that can sneak up on us as we age. Klim notes that about 30 per cent of people with CIDP may make a full remission, another 30 per cent remain stable but with ongoing symptoms, and the remaining 30 per cent may experience severe disability or paralysis.
The key takeaway? Don’t ignore persistent or unusual symptoms. If you notice numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in your ability to move, don’t chalk it up to ‘just getting older’.
See your GP and get it checked out. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes—not just for CIDP, but for many other conditions as well.
Looking ahead: Hope, resilience, and community
Despite the challenges, Klim remains one of Australia’s most beloved athletes, admired not just for his sporting achievements but for his honesty and courage in the face of adversity.
His story is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of support networks, and the need to listen to our bodies.
Have you or someone you know experienced a health scare that turned out to be more serious than expected? What symptoms do you wish you’d paid more attention to?
Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—your experience could help someone else take that all-important first step towards better health.
Also read: Olympian opens up on tragic loss, urges volunteers for life-changing research
