Olympic medallist swimmer Ilya Kharun is switching national allegiances.
The 20-year-old, who has represented Canada since 2022, announced Monday that he will represent the United States going forward.
Born in Montreal, Kharun is a two-time Olympic medallist, earning bronze in the men’s 100- and 200-metre butterfly events at the Paris 2024 Games.
He also won bronze in the 100 butterfly at the 2025 world championships.
In an Instagram post, Kharun said he grew up in Las Vegas and has lived in America his whole life. He thanked Canada for its support while saying he always felt like an American.
“I’d like to thank everyone in Canada. It’s been incredible to travel the world representing Canada and while competing with the top Canadian athletes,” Kharun wrote on Instagram. “Despite the incredible support I’ve received from Canada, I’ve always felt like an American. I grew up in Las Vegas. I’ve lived in America my whole life. I’ve never represented a club team outside of USA Swimming. I’ve got a long career left as a swimmer and I’d like to be based at home. And that home is in the USA.”
In a statement from Swimming Canada, high-performance director and national coach John Atkinson said Kharun’s accomplishments with the Canadian program can never be taken away.
“What he has done as part of our national team is part of our history. We wish him all the best and he remains a friend to our national team,” Atkinson said.
— with files from Sportsnet Staff
from Sportsnet.ca
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