Canadian swim star Ilya Kharun, who won 2 bronze medals at Paris Olympics, says he'll now compete for U.S.

Swimmer Ilya Kharun, one of Canada’s most promising athletes in the pool, has decided to compete for the United States.

The 20-year-old dual citizen, who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics in 2024, shared the news Monday on social media.

Kharun, who was born in Montreal but grew up in Las Vegas, did not share many details as to why he’s making the move but said he was grateful for Swimming Canada and his teammates. 

"John Atkinson and everyone representing Swimming Canada, thank you. I would not be the swimmer or person I am today without your support,” Kharun wrote in an Instagram post. "To my Canadian teammates, thank you. You helped me progress into the person I am today. It’s been an honour wearing the Maple Leaf.

In an interview with CBC Sports, high performance director and national coach John Atkinson said he was somewhat surprised and disappointed to see him go by the news. 

And while it leaves a big hole in the Canadian men’s swimming roster, Atkinson thanked Kharun for all he did while competing for the country.

"Ilya has been on a journey with us since we welcomed him as part of the national team in 2022," Atkinson said. "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." 

Montreal's Kharun wins 50m butterfly, Toronto's Liendo claims bronze

Per World Aquatics rules, Kharun won’t be able to represent the United States until one year after his release from Swimming Canada. That period of eligibility will expire well before the next Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles.

Kharun, who