At 18 years of age, Michael Klim was named Australian Swimming Rookie of the Year in 1995 as he embarked on his professional career. Michael emerged on the world stage after winning a bronze medal in his first Olympic appearance in the 1996 Atlanta Games and continued his rise in 1997 when he broke the world record in the 100m butterfly. In 1997, Michael was awarded the World Swimmer of the Year at the age of 20. At the 1998 FINA World Championships in Perth, Michael’s record haul of seven medals in seven events, including four gold, is one of the most outstanding performances by an Australian at an international swim meet. Michael backed this performance up in the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur where again, he won seven medals, including four gold. Michael was named Australian Swimmer of the Year in 1998. The 2000 Sydney Olympic Games saw Michael star, winning two gold and two silver medals. He was instrumental in Australia’s thrilling 4 x 100m relay victory, unleashing a world record lead off swim to win his first gold on the first night. Michael later helped smash the world record in the 4 x 200m relay to win his second gold.
After a two year break from swimming, prompted by injury, Michael returned to swimming during the 2004 Athens Games. One of three triple Olympians in the squad, Michael won his sixth medal as part of the 4x200m freestyle relay. 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 hope of reaching the 2012 London Olympics. 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. In 2020, Michael was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
Michael enjoys spending quality time with his partner and three children Stella (15), Rocco (12) and Frankie (9). He is a proud and dedicated father who focuses on having a strong work life balance across his family and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Michael’s charity affiliations include the Brainwave Foundation and the Polished Main Campaign.
Michael was fantastic, everyone really enjoyed his speech and he was such a humble man. Some of his examples were very funny ... keep reading ANZ Bank
Michael was fantastic, everyone really enjoyed his speech and he was such a humble man. Some of his examples were very funny.
