FORMER Olympic swimmer Michael Klim has thanked his personal and professional network for helping him through 2016, citing his relationship with new girlfriend Desiree Deravi as a “great support throughout†what has been an emotionally challenging year.
In February, the 39-year-old and his former wife, Lindy Klim decided to publicly call time on their 10-year relationship, after an ongoing battle to save it.
This month, Mrs Klim claimed she was “blindsided†by the breakdown of her decade long marriage, especially because of how she found out about his new partner, fashion designer Ms Deravi.
“The way I found out about it — through social media — was quite hurtful,†she told Stellar magazine.
“Obviously we’d been struggling for a while, but I thought we were keeping a hold on it and trying really hard to work it out.
“I felt very let-down; that was probably the humiliation of finding out about things in a magazine. I didn’t know that was going on, which was really hurtful.â€
But while Mr Klim remained tight-lipped on the fall out with his former wife, the swimming champ — and Australian ambassador for Chivas Regal Whisky — praised Ms Deravi for her understanding and support.
“This year has definitely been quite tricky with trying to manage different things,†Mr Klim told news.com.au.
“Desiree and I have been going out for a few months now and it’s good to have someone who understands.
“It’s not often you meet a guy with three kids and recently separated, but she’s been a great support throughout the whole process.â€
Mr Klim said his priority during the breakdown was his three children; Stella, 10, Rocco, 8, and Frankie, 5, along with the distraction of his booming business, skincare company Milk & Co.
“For me the focus has been the kids and so making sure they are settled and this transition is as seamless as possible,†he said.
“Because Milk is going so well in the last year or so, it’s been a great distraction for me as well. “I’m very happy now and settled. We have put a lot of work into it (Milk & Co) and want to move on with our lives, and be happy moving on.
“Lindy and I have joint custody and our time with the kids is split equally. My priority is just making sure their transition is smooth and they are happy.â€
Mr Klim, who will be in Bali with Ms Deravi and his children over the Christmas period, said that while his kids don’t make it to Australia very often — parenting hasn’t become any more of a challenge.
“I’m very happy, I’ve got my new partner and we have really moved on,†he said.
“I’m sure Lindy has the same goal as us, and that’s to make this transition as seamless and move on and settle into our own lives quickly.
“I’ve got the kids for Christmas and New Year’s, so I’ll be spending time off with them.â€