Australian swimmer Michael Klim has announced his comeback for 2012 London Olympics. Klim is the second Australian and latest swimmer to comeback from his retirement.
Klim’s comeback news was broken by Sydney Morning Herald and was considered through Klim’s Facebook page as a source. The news was finally confirmed by the Swimmer’s radio interview in which he articulated that he successfully gets to the Olympic trials
it would be fantastic but if he gets to London Olympics, it will be wonderful.
After the comeback of Ian Thorpe this year, Michael Klim is the latest challenge to coaches and the current swimmer to enter the Australian National team.
Klim was one of the stars of the 1998 World Championships. His best performance was seen in 2000 Sydney Olympics where he set the record for the 100m freestyle and led the Australian swimming team to a historic victory over the US in 4*100m freestyle relay
along with Ian Thorpe, Ashley Callus and Chris Fydler. He also took a silver medal in the 100m butterfly in this championship. He retired due to the shoulder pain after 2007 World Championships.
Klim’s plan of comeback will stimulate the discussion that even at the age of 33; these swimmers are completely capable of bracing their swimming careers. On the other hand, it also suggests that these swimmers have failed to gain enough motivation to do
something in the outside world as their swimming life helped them to move on. It may also increase the competition and result in wiping out the hopes of young swimmers, who may have a chance to go to 2012 London Olympics as a first experience but now may be
denied.
The point to ponder for Swimming Australia is that is it possible for a star of 1998 World championships and 2000 Sydney Olympics to make a successful comeback and keep the next generation off the National team.
Since Klim’s retirement, Swimming Team Australia has been through a Marine revolution and the next generation of swimmers have been the kingdom of team superpower.
Klim said that the more I have started swimming, the more love has come back for the sports and my passion is increasing. But was not sure whether the passion will match results or not.
He said that he doesn’t have high expectations and he is doubtful whether his body and his family can grasp it or not. Klim’s third child is expected in June.
He also added that he is not losing hope and he will give his best.
Australia’s head coach Leigh Nugent expresses doubt about his successful comeback. So does Ian Pope, Klim’s former coach.
Pope said it would be hard for him to make it to the Olympics’ team but if he does so it would be a great achievement.
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