Before the Covid-19 pandemic caused the postponement of the inauguration, Australian legend Michael Klim was supposed to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame last weekend. Instead, the event will be held in the fall, at which time Klim will receive his just due and take his place alongside the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.
In the meantime, Klim took time out of his schedule to sit with fellow Australian Olympian Brett Hawke and discussed a variety of topics on the Inside with Brett Hawke Podcast. Hawke conducted a superb interview with Klim, chatting with his former Aussie teammate about a variety of topics – from moving from Poland to Australia, to his struggles at the 1996 Olympics to the iconic 400 freestyle relay victory – and defeat of the United States – that Klim jumpstarted at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.
During his career, Klim ranked as one of the world’s elite freestylers and butterflyers, earning six Olympic medals along the way. His leadoff leg of 48.18 on the Aussie 400 freestyle relay at the 2000 Olympics enabled Australia to hand the United States its first loss in the event in Olympic history. More, Klim was the star of the 1998 World Championships in Perth, where he captured seven medals, including titles in the 200 freestyle and 100 butterfly. That competition also yielded a silver medal in the 100 freestyle and a bronze in the 50 freestyle, and the fact that Klim medaled in three freestyle distances and the 100 fly demonstrated his range.
The 90-minute interview and discussion can be heard here or by visiting Hawke’s YouTube page. A full catalog of Hawke’s interviews can be found on his YouTube site. Since he started his podcast, Hawke has interviewed some of the biggest names in the sport, including recent chats with South African sprint star Roland Schoeman and legendary American coach David Marsh.
Awww – we remember Michael Klim. Star in the pool – but Phelps and Van Den Hoogenband – champs! ???