Olympic Medalist Swimmer Ilya Kharun Transfers from Canada to U.S.
Olympic medalist swimmer Ilya Kharun has announced a significant transition in his athletic career. The 20-year-old, who has represented Canada since 2022, will now compete for the United States. This change was made public on Monday.
Ilya Kharun: A New Chapter in the U.S.
Kharun was born in Montreal but spent most of his life in Las Vegas. He has quickly made his mark in the swimming world, securing two Olympic medals. At the Paris 2024 Games, he earned bronze in both the men’s 100-metre and 200-metre butterfly events. Additionally, he claimed a bronze in the 100-metre butterfly at the 2025 World Championships.
Personal Connection to the United States
- Kharun grew up and has lived in the U.S. his entire life.
- He has never represented a club outside of USA Swimming.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kharun expressed gratitude to Canada for its support. However, he emphasized his lifelong identification with American culture. “I’ve always felt like an American,” he stated. He mentioned that being based in the U.S. would benefit his swimming career moving forward.
Response from Swimming Canada
In response to Kharun’s decision, Swimming Canada released a statement from John Atkinson, the high-performance director and national coach. He acknowledged Kharun’s contributions, asserting that his achievements with the Canadian program are an integral part of the nation’s swimming history. Atkinson also expressed well-wishes for Kharun’s future endeavors.
Looking Ahead
Kharun’s switch to the U.S. marks the beginning of a new chapter in his swimming career. As he prepares to compete for his new country, fans and supporters will be eager to see his continued success in future competitions.
