Ilya Kharun Announces Decision to Shift from Canada to United States for International Competition
After years of representing Canada at the international level, including as an Olympic medalist, Ilya Kharun took to social media on Monday to announce that he is changing his international representation to the United States. Kharun revealed the news through his Instagram account, and Swimming Canada followed with a press release not long after that confirmed the news, and wished Kharun the best in the future.
“Hey everyone, I’ve got big news. I’m changing my international representation from Canada to USA.
“First off, 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. John Atkinson and everyone representing Swim Canada, thank you. I would not be the swimmer or person (I) am today without your support. 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. 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.
“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.”
Before moving on to a collegiate career at Arizona State University, where he trains under the watch of coach Herbie Behm, Kharun was a standout for the Sandpipers of Nevada. However, Kharun was born in Montreal and exercised the option he had as a dual citizen to initially compete for Canada. Now, his affiliation will shift to the United States, and his talent will bring power and depth to Team USA.
Kharun is one of the world’s premier performers in the butterfly events, having earned bronze medals in the 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. At last summer’s World Championships in Singapore, Kharun was the bronze medalist in the 100 fly. He owns personal-best performances of 22.68 in the 50 fly, 50.07 in the 100 fly and 1:52.80 in the 200 fly. At Arizona State, Kharun has also been an elite sprint freestyler, and helped the Sun Devils claim the NCAA team title in 2024.
In its press release, Swimming Canada indicated that it was made aware of Kharun’s impending decision, and noted his accomplishments while wearing the Maple Leaf cap. The release stated:
“Swimming Canada is aware of Ilya Kharun’s intent to change nationalities and wishes him well in his future endeavours.
“The 20-year-old Montreal native has represented Canada since 2022, including at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he earned bronze medals in the 100-metre and 200-m butterfly. That made him the first Canadian man to earn two medals at a single Games since Curtis Myden in 1996. His other highlights include world short-course gold in the 200 butterfly at the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Budapest, Hungary, and bronze in the 100 fly at last year’s long-course World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. He also became the first Canadian to capture a World Cup triple crown after winning the 200 butterfly at all three 2025 stops, capping the feat in Toronto.
“’Ilya has been on a journey with us since we welcomed him as part of the national team in 2022,’” said High Performance Director and National Coach John Atkinson. “’He’s a great person and a fantastic athlete. The historic things he has done for Canada in the pool 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.’”
