Ilya Kharun Switches Allegiance from Canada to U.S. for International Competition
Ilya Kharun, a prominent swimmer, has announced his decision to shift his international representation from Canada to the United States. The announcement was made via social media on Monday, drawing attention from swimming enthusiasts and media alike.
Ilya Kharun’s Transition to Team USA
Kharun, who previously represented Canada as an Olympic medalist, expressed gratitude towards his teammates and supporters in Canada. He highlighted his dual citizenship and stated, “Despite the incredible support I’ve received from Canada, I’ve always felt like an American.”
Growing up in Las Vegas, Kharun has always trained within the United States swimming system. He began his swimming career with the Sandpipers of Nevada and is currently competing at Arizona State University under coach Herbie Behm. Kharun is notably recognized for his prowess in butterfly events, holding impressive personal records.
A Historic Career in Swimming
At just 20 years old, Kharun has already made significant strides in his swimming career. His most notable achievements include:
- Bronze medals in both the 100m and 200m butterfly events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
- Bronze medalist in the 100m butterfly at the 2023 World Championships in Singapore.
- Gold medal in the 200m butterfly at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest.
- Becoming the first Canadian to capture a World Cup triple crown in 2025.
His personal bests include times of 22.68 seconds in the 50m butterfly, 50.07 seconds in the 100m butterfly, and 1:52.80 in the 200m butterfly. These achievements have established him as one of the top competitors in his discipline.
Swimming Canada’s Response
Swimming Canada acknowledged Kharun’s decision in a press release. High Performance Director John Atkinson commended Kharun’s contributions and achievements while representing Canada. He remarked, “The historic things he has done for Canada in the pool can never be taken away.”
As Kharun transitions to Team USA, his talent and experience are anticipated to enhance the American swimming team. His journey reflects both personal growth and the evolution of a swimmer determined to pursue his ambitions at home in the United States.
