Michael Klim has been called the best relay swimmer ever. He is a three-time Olympian, multi-time world champion and 21-time world record holder. 1998 was Klim’s year in the sun. In January, the FINA World Aquatics Championships were held in Perth, Western Australia, and in front of a boisterous home crowd, he was the leading swimmer of the meet. He triumphed in the 200m freestyle and the 100m butterfly, added silver in the 100m freestyle and bronze in the 50m freestyle. He was a member of each of Australia’s three relay teams, winning gold in the 4×200m freestyle relay and 4×100m medley relay, and a silver in the 4×100m freestyle relay.
Michael Klim at World Championships
Michael Klim and the gold-medal Australian Relay team at the 2000 Sydney Olympics
Come and meet Klim in person and hear his incredible life story at the ISHOF Induction dinner on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Become an ISHOF Legacy Member and attend the ISHOF Induction Dinner for FREE. Can’t attend the event? Please consider donating to ISHOF, support Klim and our other inspirational Honorees.
More about Michael Klim:
At the 2000 Summer Olympics, Klim set a world record (48.18) leading off the 4×100m freestyle relay, which paved the way for a world record (3:13.67), beating the Americans in this event for the first time in Olympic history. Three days later, he was part of the 4×200m freestyle relay, which set another world record (7:07.05), which left the opposition over 5 seconds in arrears on its way to victory.
Michael Klim holding the Australian flag with his medals.
His 100m freestyle world record, was bested by Pieter van den Hoogenband in the semi’s. In the final, he turned first at the wall, but his legs gave out in the second half and he placed fourth. In the 100m butterfly, he was the world record holder, again turning first at the wall heavily under world record pace but was cut down in the closing stages by Sweden’s Lars Frölander, finishing second. On the final night, he claimed silver as part of the 4×100m medley relay team. Still quite a performance.
About the International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Weekend:
The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Induction Ceremony is shaping up to be a star-studded weekend! ISHOF Honorees Rowdy Gaines and Debbie Meyer will be co-emcees of the induction ceremony and there will be multiple events spread out over two days in beautiful Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Make your plans now to attend the weekend of April 24-25, 2020! ISHOF Members can purchase the Complete Weekend Package (see below) and save! (Get info on membership here.) Can’t attend the event? Donate to ISHOF to support our honorees.
This year’s International Swimming Hall of Fame Honorees include:
HONOR SWIMMERS: Brendan Hansen (USA), Michael Klim (AUS), Jon Sieben (AUS), Rebecca Soni (USA), and Daichi Suzuki (JPN)
HONOR DIVER: Matthew Mitcham (AUS)
HONOR SYNCHRONIZED (ARTISTIC) SWIMMER: Elvira Khasyanova (RUS)
HONOR WATER POLO: Mirko Vicevic (YUG)
HONOR OPEN WATER SWIMMER: Marilyn Bell (CAN)
HONOR COACH: Ursula Carlile (AUS) and David Marsh (USA)
HONOR CONTRIBUTOR: Bob Duenkel*(USA) and Peter Hurzeler (SUI)
In addition to the Class of 2020, two Honorees from the Class of 2019, who were unable to attend last year, will be present to be inducted. Honor Swimmer: Otylia Jedrzejczak (POL) and Honor Diver: Li Ting (CHN).
Get more information about this year’s induction class here and more information about Otylia Jedrzejczak and Li Ting.
*deceased
The Induction Weekend Schedule
Friday, April 24, 2020
Paragon & ISHOF Awards Night
- 5:30 pm Cocktails
- 6:30 pm ISHOF and Paragon Awards
Saturday, April 25, 2020
Honoree Induction Day Luncheon – Meet Rowdy Gaines and go on a behind the scenes tour of the Aquatic Complex construction
- 12-1:30 pm Luncheon
Official 56th Annual International Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner
- 5:30 pm VIP Reception
- 6:30 –10:00 pm Induction Ceremony & Dinner
Ticket Information
- April 24-26 Complete Weekend Package (Includes Paragon/ISHOF Awards Night, Saturday Luncheon, and Induction Ceremony)
- April 24 Paragon Awards and ISHOF Awards Night (Hors D’oeuvres and Open Bar) 5:30 pm
- April 25 Saturday Luncheon 12:00-1:30 pm
- April 25 Induction Ceremony and Dinner 5:30 pm10 Person Table $3,500 and $5,000 (Prime location) options
Hotel Information
Upscale retreat with private beach access, two pools, four restaurants, full service spa and oceanside bar. Location of the Saturday evening induction ceremony. ¼ mile south of the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
3030 Holiday Drive, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 525-4000
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $279 per night
NOTE: RESORT FEE IS INCLUDED in the $279 rate
Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach
440 Seabreeze Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 524-8733
Special ISHOF Guest Rate of $229 per night
Questions: contact Meg Keller-Marvin at meg@ishof.org or 570-594-4367
