SWIMMING: Canada's Olympic swimmer Kharun switches allegiance to US

Ilya Kharun, the Canadian swimmer who won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, announced on Monday that he will begin competing for the United States.

The 20-year-old, who earned bronze in both the 100-meter and 200-meter butterfly events, was born in Montreal but raised in Las Vegas. Kharun holds dual Canadian-American citizenship.

In a post on Instagram, he thanked his Canadian teammates and shared his decision to switch national representation.

“To my Canadian teammates, thank you. You helped me progress into the person I am today. You guys really made me feel like I was part of a family,” Kharun wrote.

“It’s been an honor wearing the Maple Leaf flag and everyone in Canada will always have my support. Despite the incredible support I’ve received from Canada, I’ve always felt like an American.”

Kharun’s parents were part of a traveling circus that performed in several countries, and they were in Montreal when he was born.

Currently, Kharun swims collegiately for Arizona State University. He also holds Canadian records in the 50-meter, 100-meter, and 200-meter butterfly events.

John Atkinson, Swimming Canada’s high-performance director and national coach, praised Kharun’s achievements in a statement.

“The historic things he has done for Canada in the pool can never be taken away,” Atkinson said. “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.” -Reporting by Frank Pingue in TorontoEditing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters