Stella Klim diagnosed with epilepsy after The Amazing Race exit

Stella Klim, 19, has been diagnosed with epilepsy after exiting The Amazing Race earlier this year following a dramatic collapse during a fish-sorting challenge. In footage that aired on Monday, the model was forced to quit the competition after telling producers she felt really dizzy, and she later told medics that her vision had gone really dark and she could not see anything.

Stella said the symptoms began a few days before the exit and worsened during the challenge. 'I was finding it really hard to breathe,' she said. She added, 'I actually ended up getting diagnosed three weeks later with epilepsy.' She described feeling off and noted she kept having dizzy spells.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to function normally and can cause recurring seizures. Seizures occur when the brain’s electrical signals become irregular, which can lead to loss of consciousness, dizziness, shakiness and, in some cases, hallucinations. It is typically managed with medication, but risk factors such as stress, lack of sleep and extreme temperatures can sometimes trigger a seizure.

Since the diagnosis, Stella has experienced five seizures. She believes the race’s gruelling schedule may have triggered the episodes, an assessment her mother, Lindy Klim, supports. Lindy said the harsh conditions while filming in Sri Lanka’s humid climate likely contributed to the health episode, noting the long travel and constant pace increased stress and reduced sleep.

During filming, Stella was determined to continue, but medics deemed it unsafe and she flew home to Australia that night with family and crew. Since then, she has faced challenges finding the right medication. 'It has actually been quite tricky. Just since I have had seizures, I have been on medication, but it just gets worse,' she said. 'I had a seizure two weeks ago in the back of an Uber with my manager, and I ended up having to go to the hospital. My doctor came in and said, that is it, like we are going to have to double your dose and see if that helps. We are just waiting to see what happens.'

Lindy and Stella said they are relieved to have a diagnosis and are hopeful that treatment will help manage the condition. Stella continues to model and influence on social media, where her following has grown rapidly, and the pair recently returned to Australia to promote the women’s clothing brand Effie Kats.