Canadian Ilya Kharun Carrying Momentum on the Way to World Cup Racing in Toronto
Whether racing for Arizona State University or representing Canada, Ilya Kharun doesn’t shy away from a busy schedule. The 20-year-old is an athlete who regularly seeks out competition, and typically produces elite performances throughout the year. The latest proof has been provided during the World Aquatics World Cup circuit, which will conclude this week (Thursday-Saturday) in Toronto.
As usual, Kharun has been dynamic in the butterfly events during World Cup action, and will pursue Triple Crowns in the 50 butterfly and 200 butterfly, thanks to sweeps of those events during the stops in Carmel (Ind.) and Westmont (Ill.). Kharun has also been the runnerup to Switzerland’s Noe Ponti in the 100 butterfly during the first two legs of the tour.
En route to victory in the 200 butterfly in Westmont, Kharun registered the second-fastest time of his career, a 1:48.46 that established a U.S. Open record. That time trails only his personal best of 1:48.24 and is the No. 6 all-time performance. Kharun’s best mark sits in a tie for second in the all-time rankings. Meanwhile, Kharun clocked sub-22 in the 50 butterfly during both of his World Cup victories and he was the winner of the 50 freestyle in Westmont.
In Toronto, Kharun figures to be fueled by the Canadian crowd. If he can win the 50 butterfly and 200 butterfly, he would bank $20,000 for capturing triple crowns. If nothing else, the two-time Olympic medalist is looking sharp ahead of his return to collegiate racing in the coming weeks.
“I think it will be exciting for the crowd,” Kharun said of racing in front of Canadian fans. “I haven’t been there in a little bit. I think it will be very exciting and very fun.”
