Michael Klim’s partner delivers emotional post after ‘scary’ reveal

Aussie swimming great Michael Klim revealed his chronic illness over the weekend and it’s clear he has a great support network for his fight.

Michael Klim’s partner Michelle Owen has shared a heartwarming post after the Aussie swimming legend revealed his health battle on The Sunday Project.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist revealed to Lisa Wilkinson he has chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare type of auto-immune disorder where the body attacks the myelin sheaths — the fatty coverings on the fibres that insulate and protect the nerves.

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It’s left the 44-year-old struggling to walk and dependent on a walking stick or braces for support.

He has now lost sensation in both of his feet, with a little bit of function in his left foot, and minimal in his right foot. He also noticed muscle wastage, with nearly all his calf muscles on both sides lost, along with most of his quad on one side.

After sharing his story, Owen took to Instagram to praise her partner.

“I’m so proud of you @michaelklim1 for sharing your story and struggles with CIDP – an auto-immune disorder that attacks the nerves which affects either your arms or legs. In Michaels case it’s his legs and feet,” she wrote.

“It’s been a journey for all the family and friends. We hope in sharing this story it brings more awareness and research to find a cure.”

Klim replied to the post simply by saying “Love you”.

But there has been an outpouring of support for Klim since the airing of the show.

Wilkinson replied to Owen saying: “So honoured to be able to help tell Michael’s story, Michelle. Let’s hope this brings awareness to CIDP, reminds all the many fellow sufferers of this debilitating disorder that they are not alone, and provides a pathway to proper funding for research to find a cure. You are both incredibly special people. Take care, and sending love.xx”

Klim also took to social media with a short version of his story.

“Just over two years ago I was diagnosed with Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) which is a rare type of auto-immune disorder,” he wrote.

“My health began to deteriorate quickly and drastically. I felt like my strength, mobility, athleticism was being taken away from me and I couldn’t do anything to stop it.

“I decide to document and share my recent challenge with the hope to raise awareness of this rare condition and work towards finding new treatment methods and ultimately a cure.”

Australian swimming star Shayna Jack wrote: “So inspirational, ️keep pushing forward, we’re all behind you”.

Seven’s Mark Beretta commented: “Wishing you all the best Klimy! Thanks for sharing your story. You’re an inspiration and you will face this challenge with the determination and courage that’s got you through every other challenge you’ve faced! All the best mate. We’re all backing you!”

Olympic swimmer Taylor McKeown added: “Inspirational in so many ways Klimmy”.

And there are many more messages backing the three-time Olympian.

Klim’s celebration has gone down in history. Credit: Darren England/ALLSPORT

Klim spoke openly about the diagnosis, revealing he had collapsed in front of his children and “might end up in a wheelchair”.

“People that I’ve told, or I have spoken to about my CIDP, they’ve said oh, you’re an Olympic athlete you’ve got that mental strength to get you through this,” he said.

“And it actually hasn’t necessarily been the case. It’s not like I can do extra exercises or this or that. If anything, I’ve been more despondent about it. And it’s more depressing.

“And, you know, I’ve gone through phases where even I drink too much and try to numb the pain.”

Klim recalled a particularly difficult experience at the airport.

“I literally had to sit down on the floor. There were no seats through the airport. And I’ve called Michelle and I was literally in tears because I couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

“That was probably one of the scariest moments I had. For me, my ability to do anything physical was something that I used to pride myself on.

“And it used to give me mental strength. And, bit by bit, was being taken away.”

Klim revealed he had started going downhill this year and had lost the ability to get around his house.

Michael Klimwalking with his family while using a walking stick. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Michael Klim a the height of his swimming career. Picture: Craig Borrow

Owen, who also took part in the interview, said she’d been lovingly dubbed the “human walking stick” by his best mate Ian Thorpe.

“There was just one significant moment where Michael kept falling over and unable to hold himself up. And it was happening in front of the kids too, and I think that’s when they really saw there was something going on with dad,” Owen said.

“And it was quite scary for them to see that, and for all of us. And we had to make that hard decision, ‘We’ve got to go now.’”

However, in recent times, Klim underwent a back operation to release trapped nerves, rehabilitation and IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) treatments at RPA hospital to treat his condition, changed to a carnivore diet and said his condition has stabilised.