Canadian swimmer Ilya Kharun has shocked the sports world by announcing his decision to defect from Team Canada and join Team USA. A two-time Canadian medalist, Kharun's switch comes as no surprise, given his long-held desire to represent the United States.
Born in Montreal, Kharun grew up in Las Vegas, where he was raised by Ukrainian parents who continued their careers with Cirque du Soleil after retiring from acrobatics. This unique upbringing instilled a sense of belonging and identity that would eventually lead him to abandon his Canadian roots.
"I've always felt like an American," Kharun said in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking Swimming Canada for their support. "I grew up in America, I've lived my whole life in the USA, and I've never represented a club team outside of USA Swimming."
Kharun's decision has left his former coaches and teammates stunned, with Swimming Canada's high-performance director John Atkinson expressing disappointment but wishing Kharun well on his next endeavor.
The 20-year-old butterfly swimmer took home two bronze medals in Paris after winning a gold in the 2024 world championships in Budapest. He also won a bronze medal last year in Singapore.
While it may take some time for Kharun to officially join Team USA, given the need to be released from Swimming Canada, his swift move has sparked widespread attention. The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are now within reach, and fans can't wait to see what this talented swimmer will achieve under the American flag.
With a long career ahead of him, Kharun's decision is a testament to his dedication and perseverance as an athlete. It remains to be seen how this development will play out, but one thing is certain: Ilya Kharun has put himself firmly on the map as a force to be reckoned with in international swimming.
Born in Montreal, Kharun grew up in Las Vegas, where he was raised by Ukrainian parents who continued their careers with Cirque du Soleil after retiring from acrobatics. This unique upbringing instilled a sense of belonging and identity that would eventually lead him to abandon his Canadian roots.
"I've always felt like an American," Kharun said in a heartfelt Instagram post, thanking Swimming Canada for their support. "I grew up in America, I've lived my whole life in the USA, and I've never represented a club team outside of USA Swimming."
Kharun's decision has left his former coaches and teammates stunned, with Swimming Canada's high-performance director John Atkinson expressing disappointment but wishing Kharun well on his next endeavor.
The 20-year-old butterfly swimmer took home two bronze medals in Paris after winning a gold in the 2024 world championships in Budapest. He also won a bronze medal last year in Singapore.
While it may take some time for Kharun to officially join Team USA, given the need to be released from Swimming Canada, his swift move has sparked widespread attention. The 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles are now within reach, and fans can't wait to see what this talented swimmer will achieve under the American flag.
With a long career ahead of him, Kharun's decision is a testament to his dedication and perseverance as an athlete. It remains to be seen how this development will play out, but one thing is certain: Ilya Kharun has put himself firmly on the map as a force to be reckoned with in international swimming.
... I mean, who can blame him? He was born in Montreal but grew up in Vegas and always felt like an American 
. It's like he finally found a sense of home 
. His coaches and teammates are shocked, but I guess that's understandable 
. The guy's got talent pouring out of every pore 
. Now we just gotta wait for him to officially join Team USA and see what kind of splash he makes at the 2028 Olympics 
. This kid's future is looking super bright 
️!
This defection news got me thinking, like Kharun's family background and upbringing played a huge role in his decision. It makes sense that he'd feel more connected to USA Swimming considering his entire life was spent there. 
️
he's been saying he wants to rep the USA for ages and now it's finally happening? Like, didn't they know? 
his parents are all about Cirque du Soleil btw I need to get tickets for that 
, always thought he'd stick with Canada, that's like his birth country and all 
... what's next, Canadians gonna start cheering for the Yanks too? 
I mean, I get why he wants to be where he feels most at home, but this is a shocker, don't expect to see him on the Canadian podium again 
.
As a fan of Riverdale, I feel him - sometimes you gotta follow your heart and take risks, even if it means leaving behind what's familiar 
. Now, let's see how this plays out in LA 
. Can't wait to see what he brings to the table as an American swimmer 
!
Kharun seems like he's made his mind up and is ready to take the plunge (pun intended). But what really caught my eye was how shocked the Canadian team was 
!
i mean, i knew he was an American at heart already 
. anyway, 2028 los angeles here we come! 
. but honestly, it feels like he was meant to be an american athlete - his upbringing and whole life in the usa are already more connected to the country than canada 
. can't wait to see what's next for him! maybe we'll even get to see him win that olympic gold medal 
he's been sayin he wants to rep team usa for ages and now hes makin it happen, gotta respect dat 
i mean, we can be mad at swimmin canada 4 not givin him a better shot, but who knows whats goin on behind the scenes 
anyways, khurin's got this talent and determination, i got no doubt he'll crush it in los angeles 
. He was born in Montreal and grew up in Vegas, so isn't that a pretty Canadian upbringing? 
And what about all those medals he won as a Canadian athlete? Shouldn't that count for something?