Michael Klim OAM

Michael Klim OAM's Biography

Named Australian Swimming Rookie of the Year in 1995, Klim won a bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympics. His star continued to rise in 1997 when he took the World Record in the 100-metre butterfly on the way to being names World Swimmer of the Year.

At the 1998 FINA World Championships in Perth, Klim’s record haul of seven medals in seven events including four gold rates as one of the most outstanding performances by an Australian at an international swim meet. The 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur saw Klim exert his dominance, winning seven medals including four gold again.

Klim was one of the undisputed stars of the Sydney Olympic Games with two gold and two silver. He was instrumental in Australia’s thrilling 4x100m relay victory, unleashing a world record lead off swim to win his first gold on the first night. Klim later helped smash the world record in the 4x200m relay to win his second gold.

After 2 injury interrupted years, in a win for perseverance, Klim returned to the Australian team for the 2004 Athens Games. One of three triple Olympians in the squad, Klim won his sixth medal as part of the 4 x 200 Freestyle Relay.

Klim’s return to the upper echelons of the sport became official at the 2005 World Championships in Montreal, with a bronze medal in the 4 x 100m freestyle. He continued his spectacular comeback at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games where he won gold in the men’s 4x100m Medley Relay, silver in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay and 100m Butterfly and bronze in the 50m Butterfly.

After retiring in 2007 Michael Klim returned to swimming in 2011 with the 2012 London Olympics in his sights. After swimming impressively to reach the Semi Finals in both the 100m Freestyle and 100m Butterfly at the Australian Championships in March 2012, Michael once again announced his retirement with the intent of focusing on business interests and keynote speaking opportunities.

Michael now focuses his energies on business interests such as his skin care company MILK and spending more time with wife Lindy, daughter’s Stella and Frankie, and son Rocco.