Olympic medallist Josh Liendo focused on busy summer swimming schedule

Canadian Olympic swimmer Josh Liendo may be just 22 years old, but he's already stepping into a mentorship role for the swimmers following in his footsteps. 

The Toronto native just capped his third year at the University of Florida, where he's won nine NCAA national titles, including three consecutive titles in the men's 100-yard freestyle event.

"Obviously "freshman Josh" was just trying to find my way and figure out how to swim in the NCAA," Liendo told CBC Sports. "I've already been through it. I can help some of these younger guys, especially internationals who don't really know anything about yards." 

Liendo has already captured four world medals, including the three he won during his breakout season at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest in 2022. 

He's represented Canada at the past two Olympic Games, Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, where won his first Olympic medal — a silver in the 100-metre butterfly.

"Last summer, there were some good results and there were some results that I would want to improve on," he said. "Just excited to kind of put together what I've been working on and training." 

WATCH | Liendo takes on mentoring role: 

Josh Liendo takes on mentoring role with International teammates in the NCAA

At the LA 2028 Summer Olympics, three new events will be added to the program for the first time: the 50m butterfly, 50m backstroke, and 50m breaststroke. 

At the Paris Olympics. Liendo swam the 50m butterfly in 23.24 seconds — a Canadian record — but says he has a "love-hate relationship" with the event. 

"I'm not the best at it. My 50-metre best time is from Paris…I haven't really figured it out," he said.  "I'm a little iffy on the 50 fly, the 100 has always been my stronger one." 

Liendo will be