Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim speaks about his latest challenge following his diagnosis 

Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim hasn’t let his autoimmune disorder diagnosis stop him as he’s taking on a new challenge.  

Just two years ago the Olympic swimmer, 45, was given the devastating news that he had chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) – a rare auto-immune disorder in the arms and legs. 

However, despite the debilitating disease, he has a dogged determination and recently started training in the gym and doing what he loves best- swimming. 

Now, he’s encouraging Aussies to hop in their local sea or pool and take on a challenge with him for a good cause. 

Michael has teamed up with Brainwave Australia and is calling on the country to swim every day for the entire month of March in order to raise funds for children with brain injuries and illnesses. 

Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim hasn’t let his autoimmune disorder diagnosis stop him

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The Olympic swimmer, 45, was given the devastating news that he had chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) – a rare auto-immune disorder in the arms and legs

Despite the debilitating disease, Michael has a dogged determination and recently started training in the gym and swimming. Pictured with Lisa Wilkinson 

The Brainwave Klim Swim Challenge is hoping that all involved will swim a collective 34,000km and raise over $300,000 for children with brain disorders. 

Speaking about the challenge, Michael said: ‘Swimming has given me my purpose, motivation, challenges and rewards in life. This March, it is time to harness swimming to raise awareness of the neurological conditions that affect thousands of Australians, and which also affect me. 

‘We will also raise vital funds for Brainwave Australia for children with brain injuries and illnesses, and families.’ 

Every day in Australia 10 children are diagnosed with neurological conditions, and Brainwave supports many of these families around the country and many more will need it as the year goes on. 

Despite his determination to still train and swim, Michael recently opened up about how much the chronic illness has affected his physical health.  

Despite his determination to still train and swim, Michael recently opened up about how much the chronic illness has affected his physical health

He can now only stand on one leg and he told Sunrise hosts David Koch and Natalie Barr that the effects of the disease are ‘hard to fathom’. 

While there is only so much doctors can do to help him, Michael said he is doing everything he can with diet and exercise to live his life to the fullest.

He previously underwent back surgery to help decompress the nerves in his spine and is regularly given intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, which helps to reduce conditions that attack the body’s immune system.

Those who want to take part in the challenge or donate can do so here at www.klimswimchallenge.com.au

The swimmer previously underwent back surgery to help decompress the nerves in his spine