Ilya Kharun Rips U.S. Open Record in 50 Butterfly; Caeleb Dressel Continues to Look Sharp
When Ilya Kharun made the decision to switch his sporting nationality from Canada to the United States, the Arizona State star recognized a short-term sacrifice: No major international competition for the 2026 summer campaign. Instead, U.S. Nationals would serve as his target meet of the summer, and the two-time Olympic medalist could then direct his attention to qualifying for the 2027 World Championships in Budapest.
On Wednesday night at the William Woollett Aquatics Center, Kharun flourished in the 50-meter butterfly, setting a U.S. Open record of 22.59. Kharun’s time is tied for the fastest in the world this year, with Russian Egor Kornev, and it was enough to fend off American-record holder Caeleb Dressel, who finished second in 22.86. Michael Andrew was third in 23.07.
Coming off a runnerup finish to Luca Urlando in the 200 butterfly on Tuesday, Kharun made sure he was the first one to the wall a night later. Although Dressel took the lead off the start, a longtime trademark of the three-time Olympian, Kharun gradually pulled even and separated himself from Dressel. The time was a personal best for Kharun by .05, beating the 22.64 he recorded earlier this year at the Mare Nostrum Series in Europe.
The bronze medalist in the 100 butterfly and 200 butterfly at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Kharun announced his decision to change sporting nationality back in January. When revealing the news, Kharun spoke about living in the United States for the majority of his life, and feeling more American than Canadian. In the future, he’ll have the chance to represent the Red, White and Blue around the world.
Kharun was solid in the 200 butterfly on Night One in Southern California, but his 50 fly was sensational. He now ranks in a tie for sixth in the all-time rankings, and his upcoming 100 fly could be something special, too. Meanwhile, Kharun’s presence at U.S. Trials will make qualifying for international duty much more difficult, particularly at the 2028 Olympic Trials in Indianapolis.
With the 50 fly set to make its Olympic debut at LA28, Kharun is a leading contender for a medal in the event, alongside the likes of Frenchman Maxime Grousset, Switzerland’s Noe Ponti and Kornev. And if the past two days are a harbinger, perhaps Dressel as well.
A night after he went 47.70 to win the 100 freestyle, Dressel returned with another superb performance. His mark of 22.86 ranks him eighth in the world this year and provides proof that his training with coach Steve Jungbluth is clicking.
