Olympian Michael Klim Stars in Australian Story’s 30th Anniversary Special

Michael Klim, a six-time Olympian and Australian swimming icon, will feature in the premiere episode of the 30th anniversary season of Australian Story on ABC. This long-established documentary series celebrates the remarkable journeys of Australians, emphasizing personal tenacity and achievements. Klim’s episode, titled “Sink or Swim,” is set to air on February 2, 2026.

Michael Klim’s Olympic Journey

Klim represented Australia across three consecutive Olympic Games. He made his debut at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, followed by appearances in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. During his illustrious career, he secured six Olympic medals:

• 2 Gold
• 3 Silver
• 1 Bronze

Klim was a vital member of the 4×100 meter and 4×200 meter freestyle relay teams, both of which clinched gold medals at the Sydney Olympics. In addition to his Olympic success, he also achieved remarkable feats at the world championship level, winning a total of 12 titles. In 1998, Klim claimed individual gold medals in the 100-meter butterfly and 200-meter freestyle at the long course world championships held in Perth.

Facing Adversity

After retiring from competitive swimming, Klim faced unforeseen challenges. In 2020, he was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare autoimmune disease. This condition has significantly affected his mobility, leaving him unable to walk unassisted.

Despite these physical limitations, Klim remains engaged with the sport by operating a swim school from his home in Bali. He recently shared that, following his diagnosis, he felt his “identity was taken away” and struggled to envision a future. Klim emphasized that overcoming the mental challenges posed by his condition was even more daunting than the physical ones.

The Klim Foundation

Klim and his wife, Michelle Owen, established the Klim Foundation to raise awareness and provide support for CIDP patients. The foundation plays a crucial role in their advocacy efforts as they navigate the complexities of living with this condition.

Episode Highlights

In addition to showcasing Klim’s life after his diagnosis, the upcoming episode will feature various guests, including:

• Michelle Owen (Klim’s wife)
• Olympians Ian Thorpe and Daniel Kowalski
• US Olympian Gary Hall Jr.
• Klim’s parents and children
• His sister

This episode is part of a broader tradition of profiling Australian swimmers on Australian Story. Previous features included notable athletes like Shayna Jack in 2021 and 2024 and Lisa Curry in 2022.

As Australian Story approaches its milestone of over 1,400 episodes, Klim’s story is poised to inspire viewers and reflect resilience in the face of adversity.