Michael Klim set to return to Australia after decade in Bali

Olympic gold medallist Michael Klim has been living in Bali for more than a decade, however, he says coming back to his home country is “enticing”.

Michael Klim is plotting his return to Australia.

The Olympic gold medallist has been living in Bali for more than a decade, however, he says coming back to his home country is “enticing” and imminent.

It comes as his ex-wife, Lindy Klim, recently moved from Bali back to Melbourne with the couple’s two other children, Rocco and Frankie.

“At the moment I’m still in Bali and coming back-and-forth, but definitely at some point in the near future we will be heading back to Oz to be with both of the kids,” Klim said.

“Stella is with me here in Bali ... so we’re kind of still in limbo at the moment.

“We have been in Bali for 13 years, so it feels like home, but with Brisbane 2032 happening and so many exciting things up in Queensland, I think I am being enticed back.”

Klim this month announced the launch of what is no doubt set to become one of his greatest achievements – The Klim Foundation.

Michael Klim with partner Michelle Owen.

The foundation was launched five years after Klim’s diagnosis with CIDP (Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy), a rare and debilitating auto-immune condition.

It’s taken the athlete almost that long to come to terms with his diagnosis, which causes chronic pain, fatigue, and difficulty with movement.

“Life is really good now,” he said.

“It has been a very eventful few years since my diagnosis, and Covid, and I guess I kind of hit rock bottom both physically and mentally.

“For those first couple of years, I looked at life though a very grim lens. I lost the ability to walk. I wasn’t an active father anymore. I started doubting myself as a provider and I started doubting myself.

“I’m finding my way through that and am in a position now where I’m very stable, physically and mentally. I feel kind of empowered by the support I’ve received.”

The foundation will provide support, connection, and funding for vital medical research.

“Going through this journey of CIDP, I know that my family and my partner Michelle felt pretty alone as well,” he said.

“There wasn’t really sort of a community or any support, so for us, it’s what I want to create. “It is for other patients and other caregivers to feel that they’re not the only ones going through this and to raise awareness of this condition.

“It’s giving me a new lease on life and, with the foundation, I can actually turn this life situation into a positive and an influence others.”

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