Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Klim Posts Controversial Return

MELBOURNE, Australia, November 26. IN a time trial in Melbourne today, Olympic gold medalist Michael Klim made his return to competitive swimming at 34 years of age. The trial, however, did not occur without some controversy at the 14-and-over qualifying event.

''At this level the marshals are a lot more strict, so rock up half a minute late they get into you,'' Klim told the Sydney Morning Herald. ''Most of the guys are half my age, so that's the most shattering thing about being back. But it's really enjoyable, swimming and racing. I feel like I was just here the other day racing.''

During a 200 LCM freestyle swim, in which Klim indicated he was going for his 100-meter time, the official splits registered that Klim clocked a 51.03. His coach, however, disputed the time claiming that he hand-clocked Klim at 49.88. Klim then returned with a 23.11 in the 50-meter freestyle.

''It was a little bit disappointing that I couldn't get an official time to my hand, it was only to my feet,'' Klim told the Sydney Morning Herald. ''But anyway, that's all right, I'll have another crack at it in Queensland at the Queensland state titles. The 50-second barrier in my mind has broken, so I can progress from there. It definitely gives me a good chance heading into trials.''

Klim won a pair of gold medals in relay action for Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, while winning three silvers and a bronze during the course of three Olympics from 1996 Atlanta to 2004 Athens.

Full text of Sydney Morning Herald article.

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