While Canada’s women’s swimmers have been regulars on the Olympics podium recently, it hasn’t been the same story for the men.
Ilya Kharun hopes to change that Wednesday.
The Montreal-born Kharun, 19, posted the third-fastest time in the semifinals of the 200-metre butterfly to qualify for Wednesday’s final (2:37 p.m. ET / 11:37 a.m. PT).
Hungary’s Kristof Milak, the world record holder, was first in one minute, 52.72 seconds, followed by France’s Leon Marchand (1:53.40) and Kharun (1:54.01).
The Canadian men didn’t win a swimming medal in the past two Olympics and didn’t even qualify for an event final three years ago in Tokyo.
Kharun finished fourth in last year’s world championships in this event.
Kharun was born in Montreal but has spent most of his life in the United States. His parents are performers with Cirque du Soleil, per Devin Heroux of CBC Olympics.
The family moved to Las Vegas around the time Kharun was one.
Ilya Kharun, a talented swimmer from Canada, is setting his sights on a podium finish in the Olympic men’s 200m butterfly event. With his impressive skills and dedication to the sport, Kharun is poised to make a strong showing at the upcoming Games.
Kharun has been making waves in the swimming world with his exceptional performances in recent years. He has consistently shown his prowess in the butterfly stroke, a challenging and technical event that requires both speed and endurance. Kharun’s strong work ethic and commitment to training have helped him improve his technique and performance, making him a formidable competitor in the pool.
In addition to his physical abilities, Kharun also possesses a competitive spirit and a drive to succeed. He thrives under pressure and is known for his ability to perform well in high-stakes situations. These qualities will serve him well as he competes against the world’s best swimmers at the Olympic Games.
Kharun’s goal of reaching the podium in the men’s 200m butterfly event is within reach, thanks to his talent, hard work, and determination. He has been training diligently to fine-tune his skills and prepare for the intense competition that awaits him in Tokyo. With the support of his coaches, teammates, and fans, Kharun is ready to give it his all and make his mark on the Olympic stage.
As he prepares to represent Canada on the world stage, Kharun is focused on achieving his dream of standing on the podium at the Olympic Games. With his talent, dedication, and competitive spirit, there is no doubt that he has what it takes to make his country proud and inspire future generations of swimmers. Keep an eye out for Ilya Kharun as he races towards Olympic glory in the men’s 200m butterfly event.