Kharun Leaps Into Urlando's Realm With Switch Of Sports Nationality
On his switch to seek selection for the USA, Ilya Kharun says: "“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."
Ilya Kharun, a medal-winning swimmer for Canada since 2022, has switched is sports nationality to the USA after having spent a lifetime in that country.
Back in 2022, he and his family realised that he only had a Canadian passport, by virtue of being born in Canada. His parents, both performers for Cirque du Soleil, moved from their adopted home to Las Vegas when ytheoir son was a baby.
All of which was 'discovered' when the USA selected Kharun for its junior Pan Pacs in 2022 but he could not accept because he had no USA passport. The USA could do with some help on its men's side, so Canada's investment in Kharun may come in handy: in Paris, he claimed bronze in the 100 and 200m butterfly.
Even so, switching to the USA from Canada ahead of an American Olympics in LA come 2028 does not come without its risks: only two ae selected per event. Finish third at trials and you're out...
World Aquatics recently change the conditions on switches of sports nationality, to make it easier for athletes, but tougher on nations that invest in athletes only to find other nations benefitting from their investment. Kharun's case is one that shows that is not always the case, and that decisions can be made amicably between parties with a nod to circumstances.
The WAq decision:
In a break with the Olympic Charter, global federation bypasses Congress to cut three-year waiting time for changing nation to just one and remove 'sports nationality' status from under-18s, barring the cream of world-class junior athletes
Craig Lord
Kharun's decisions rules him out of contention in the pool until at least August this year, and explains why he was not among those listed to compete for Canada at the Commonwealth Games. His last appearance for Canada was on October 25, 2025 at the World Cup in Toronto, making that he date from which he would be eligible for the USA later this year but beyond all the main long-course events of the year.
Kharun, who trains under the guidance of coach Herbie Behm at Arizona State University and must s , took to social media today top explain his decision:
“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.”
In full:
In its press release, Swimming Canada 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.'”
Kharun’s new domestic competition includes Dare Rose, Shaine Casas (50.24) and Thomas Heilman in the 100 'fly, and Luca Urlando, 2025 World champion, and Carson Foster. The context:
Craig Lord
Craig Lord
On This Day ... & In Our Legends Section:
Craig Lord
Craig Lord
Craig Lord
