Aussie Olympics legend Michael Klim has revealed he told his fiancée that she was getting ‘the dud version’ of him as he battles a rare neurological disorder that has changed his life forever.
Klim popped the question to partner Michelle Owen six years after the couple started dating, going down on bended knee just before Christmas last year.
The couple debuted their romance back in October 2019, five months after his split from Desiree Deravi, when they were spotted together at a cafe in Bondi.
Owen supported Klim in an emotional post in July 2022 after he spoke about his battle with the rare neurological disorder, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.
‘I’m so proud of you @michaelklim1 for sharing your story and struggles with CIDP – an autoimmune disorder that attacks the nerves,’ she began.
Admitting the diagnosis had ‘been a journey for all the family and friends,’ Michelle said that she hoped that ‘in sharing this story it brings more awareness and research to find a cure’.
Michael Klim is pictured with Michelle Owen just after she accepted his marriage proposal shortly before Christmas last year
Owen has been a rock for Klim as he battles a rare and debilitating neurological disorder that has changed his life forever
The couple met shortly before Klim received his shattering diagnosis – and he told her he didn’t want to be a burden
Now Klim has opened up about how he has come to terms with the devastating diagnosis.
‘Six years ago, my identity was taken away and I couldn’t see a future,’ he told the ABC.
‘The physical degradation is one thing, but the mental issue was probably the biggest hurdle to overcome.’
Klim met Owen shortly before getting the shattering diagnosis and he warned her about what lay ahead for them both.
‘I said to her that you’ve got the dud version of Michael Klim. I don’t want you to have to live with this burden,’ he revealed.
Klim has previously revealed how hard life has been as he battles the condition.
‘I’ve gone through phases where I’ve drank too much and tried to numb the pain,’ said the two-time Olympic gold medallist.
The pool legend also admitted he may ‘end up in a wheelchair’ due to his condition.
The Olympic champion described Owen as ‘deeply kind’ and ‘steady when it mattered most’
Klim is pictured celebrating winning gold at the Sydney Games in 2000
‘I neglected a lot of my symptoms at the onset and I think in a very typical male fashion didn’t act fast enough,’ he said.
‘So, if anything comes out of our chat, I hope it’s (readers) going to see a doctor even if the symptoms are as simple as getting cold feet when you go to bed or having numbness in your toes or your feet. I neglected some of those.’
CIDP is characterised by inflammation of nerve roots and peripheral nerves and destruction of the fatty protective covering that coats nerve fibres.
It has caused significant muscle loss in Klim’s legs, as well as severe loss of sensation.
Shortly after Owen accepted his proposal, the swimming great posted an emotional message on Instagram.
‘I am a very lucky man to call @michelleowen my fiancée,’ Klim wrote.
‘She is pure heart. Deeply kind. Steady when it mattered most.
‘Our relationship was built during real adversity and it never wavered. It makes this moment even sweeter.
‘We are incredibly happy and excited to spend our lives together.
‘More adventures. More laughs. More memories as a family.’
The post was accompanied by a series of photos of the ecstatic couple, showing Klim going down on one knee by a lake at the Pt Leo Estate winery on the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne’s south.
He popped the question as the pair enjoyed a glass of champagne at the scenic spot.