Swimmer Micheal Klim launches charity and gives CIDP auto-immune condition health update
Champion swimmer Michael Klim has revealed his 'favourite things' are 'out of the question' as he continues to battle a rare auto-immune condition.
Klim has launched a charity which funds research into Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy – the same condition which is attacking the former Olympian's nerves.
The gold medallist appeared on Channel 10's The Project to launch the Klim Foundation and give an update on his health.
Fans were stunned to see the handsome athlete, who normally sports a completely bald look, pulling off an impressive goatee.
'I'm mixing it up. I had one look for 47 years. I had to come up with something different,' Klim joked when asked about his new crop of facial hair.
He also added he was 'feeling really well' despite ongoing health challenges.
'My life has stabilised physically and mentally. It's become a – the right time now for myself,
Michelle (his partner), the family, and, the board we put together, to launch the Klim Foundation and get out and help other sufferers. I feel up to the challenge,' Klim said.
Speaking from his home in Bali, Klim added CIDP continues to wreak havoc on his body.
'My mobility is compromised. But I've got some great AFOs, are kind of prosthetics,' he said.
'Some of my favourite things like surfing and playing tennis are out of the question, but I had a ski for the first time in 12 years last year.
'Still a lot of things you can do. So, with the foundation, it's what we're trying to do, enable a lot of sufferers, give them their life back.'
Klim said he not only signed up swimming pals Ian Thorpe and Grant Hackett to join the foundation board, but also recruited former rival, American Gary Hall Jr who once threatened to 'smash him like a guitar.'
'Gary – he's a diabetic, he's been in the medical field most of this life. He is probably the only Olympic gold medallist with diabetes,' Klim said.
'He loves Australia, even though some of the Aussies don't like him.
'I'm going to make it my mission he'll be a favoured Aussie very soon.'
People can donate to the Klim Foundation here.
Originally published as Michael Klim sports handsome goatee as he launches charity
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