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“Trying Not To Let It Consume Me” Swimming Legend Opens Up On His Heartbreaking Battle With Incurable Disease

Published 11/09/2022, 4:30 PM EST

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Michael Klim reminds one of Robert Schuller’s famous quote “Tough times never last but tough people do.” Diagnosed with CIPD, which affects nerves, swimming legend Michael Klim didn’t give up and fought hard. In a video, Klim finally spoke about his struggle with CIPD and staying away from his family for therapy.

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An expert swimming champion who won gold in the Olympics, Michael Klim is a fighter. When Klim was told he had CIPD in 2020, he went to Sydney, underwent a back operation, and fought the disease. The disease had an impact on Klim’s legs and Klim couldn’t feel any sensation in his legs. In a talk, Michael Kim’s wife also told how Michael kept falling over. 

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Swimming Legend Michael Kim Recalls His Scary Struggle With CIPD 

The 3-time Olympic Swimming Champion spoke about how he didn’t pay attention to his health, thinking it was an odd cramp. He also spoke about how he couldn’t accept how serious his condition was at first. “My health began to deteriorate drastically – my strength, my athleticism – was being taken away from me and I couldn’t do anything to stop it!” he said in his blog.

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Michael Kim also told how he had to make changes to his diet and consume more meat. He also spoke about how he tried to have a positive attitude and not focus too much on his disease.

In a talk, Michael Klim also spoke about a negative effect of the disease was that the body was eating its own tissues. He also spoke of his alcohol usage to cope with the pain.

Michael Klim also told his fans how he had various types of braces attached to his feet, which proved to be beneficial. This also proves his tremendous willpower to fight against the disease.

Michael Klim’s response to CIPD 

In a recent Instagram post, Klim spoke about how he had mapped a strategy with his counselor to fight against the disease. He also told his fans that he wasn’t completely helpless and could still do many things. “There are still a lot of things I can do and be functional….’, he said. This reflects his never-give-up attitude.

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A post shared by MICHAEL KLIM (@michaelklim1)


Klim’s response to the disease was to focus on what he can do instead of what he can’t do. Klim also has his swimming school in Bali, where he takes part in its various activities. Currently, Klim is also trying to spread more awareness and encourage more research about CIPD.

WATCH THIS STORY: Swimming Legend Michael Phelps Top 5 Iconic Career Races 

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Klim’s fight against the disease will always inspire fans to never quit in the face of challenges. As swimming fans, we await to see what Klim accomplishes in the future.

 

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Written by:

Priya Hinduja

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Priya Hinduja is a US Sports author for EssentiallySports. She has a Master's Degree in English from Fergusson College, Pune. Priya has worked as an English language trainer at Osmos Club for six months and has also worked in marketing at Debugee Technologies Pvt Ltd for a year.
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