Beloved Australian Olympic champion Michael Klim has shared some joyous personal news, announcing his engagement to long-term partner Michelle Owen in a magical Christmas-season proposal.
A Romantic Proposal on the Mornington Peninsula
The 48-year-old swimming legend made the happy announcement on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, confirming that Owen had said yes. Klim posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a series of photos capturing the special moment at the picturesque Pt Leo Estate on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.
In the images, the couple are seen arriving in a Porsche before Klim gets down on one knee by a serene lake to pop the question. The subsequent photos show the newly engaged pair celebrating with a bottle of bubbles, their faces lit up with smiles.
"She is pure heart. Deeply kind. Steady when it mattered most," Klim wrote in his emotional social media post. He reflected on the strength of their bond, stating, "Our relationship was built during real adversity, and it never wavered. It makes this moment even sweeter."
A Bond Forged Through Adversity
The mention of adversity is a poignant reference to Klim's ongoing health battle. The champion athlete was diagnosed six years ago with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP), an incurable and debilitating autoimmune disorder.
The condition causes progressive weakening and loss of feeling in the arms and legs. Despite this challenge, Klim has shown remarkable resilience. He shared with Sunrise last year that he had been managing well while fighting the condition, undergoing intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.
Klim and Owen have been a couple since 2019 and have split their time between Australia and Bali, where Klim's three children from his previous marriage to Lindy Klim had been living until recently.
From Olympic Glory to a New Chapter
Michael Klim is one of Australia's most celebrated swimmers. His career highlight came at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics, where he won gold as part of the men's 4x100m freestyle relay team alongside Ian Thorpe, Chris Fydler, and Ashley Callus, setting a world record in the process.
His impressive career also includes being a former world champion and a 21-time world record holder.
Looking to the future, the engaged couple expressed their excitement. "We are incredibly happy and excited to spend our lives together," Klim wrote. "More adventures. More laughs. More memories as a family."
The engagement marks a beautiful and uplifting personal milestone for the Australian sports icon, offering a moment of celebration amidst his health journey.
