Canadian Swimming Star Ilya Kharun Switches to USA

20-year-old Olympic medalist cites dual citizenship in surprise move ahead of 2028 Olympics

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented swimming competition, with overlapping planes of deep blues, greens, and splashes of red, conveying the dynamic and multifaceted nature of Kharun's decision to switch national teams.Kharun's surprise switch to the USA swimming team adds a new layer of complexity to the global sport of competitive swimming.Los Angeles Today

In a surprising announcement, Canadian swimming sensation Ilya Kharun, a two-time bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has revealed his decision to represent the United States moving forward. The 20-year-old, who holds dual Canadian-American citizenship, expressed gratitude towards Swimming Canada and his Canadian teammates, but will now shift his focus to competing for the USA ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Why it matters

Kharun's switch has sent shockwaves through the swimming community, raising questions about athlete nationality, loyalty, and the complexities of dual citizenship. As one of the top butterfly swimmers in the world, his departure is a significant loss for the Canadian men's swimming program, which had high hopes for the 2028 Olympics.

The details

Kharun, originally from Montreal but raised in Las Vegas, did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind his switch, but thanked Swimming Canada and his Canadian teammates for their support during his career. Swimming Canada's high-performance director, John Atkinson, expressed disappointment over Kharun's departure, acknowledging the void it creates in the Canadian team. However, Atkinson remains optimistic about the depth of the Canadian swimming program, which has grown stronger in recent years.

  • Kharun announced his decision to switch to the USA on Monday, April 11, 2026.
  • Per World Aquatics regulations, Kharun will not be eligible to compete for the USA until a year has passed following his release from Swimming Canada, aligning with the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The players

Ilya Kharun

A 20-year-old Canadian swimming sensation who recently won two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kharun holds dual Canadian-American citizenship and has announced his decision to represent the United States moving forward.

John Atkinson

The high-performance director and national coach of Swimming Canada, who expressed disappointment over Kharun's departure and acknowledged the significant void it creates in the Canadian men's swimming lineup.

Swimming Canada

The national governing body for competitive swimming in Canada, which has supported Kharun throughout his career.

World Aquatics

The international federation for competitive swimming, which sets the regulations regarding athlete nationality changes.

Arizona State University

The university where Kharun is currently competing and continuing to hone his skills as a swimmer.

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What they’re saying

“Thank you, John Atkinson and everyone at Swimming Canada. I wouldn't be the swimmer or person I am today without your support. To my Canadian teammates, I appreciate you all—your contributions have shaped my journey, and it's been a privilege to wear the Maple Leaf.”

— Ilya Kharun

“Ilya has been part of our national team since 2022. He is not only an outstanding athlete but also a great individual. His achievements in the pool are a proud part of our history, and we will always wish him well; he remains a friend of the national team.”

— John Atkinson, High-performance Director and National Coach, Swimming Canada

What’s next

Kharun will not be eligible to compete for the USA until a year has passed following his release from Swimming Canada, which aligns with the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Kharun's switch to representing the USA raises complex questions about athlete nationality, loyalty, and the impact of dual citizenship on international sports. While a significant loss for the Canadian swimming program, it also highlights the depth of talent and the global nature of the sport.