Ilya Kharun: ‘Happy To Be With the Big Dogs’; Olympic Medalist Eager to Represent Team USA
The decision of Ilya Kharun to switch his sporting nationality from Canada to the United States forced a sacrifice for the Arizona State University star. Because he had to sit out a year before representing Team USA, Kharun knew would not be able to compete at the Pan Pacific Championships. Instead, the United States National Championships would become his focus meet for the summer, and serve as an opportunity to show what he’ll bring to the American arsenal.
On Wednesday night, Kharun blasted a U.S. Open record in the 50-meter butterfly, a 22.59 mark vaulting him to victory over Caeleb Dressel. More, the effort handed Kharun a share of the top spot in the world, along with Russian Egor Kornev. As stellar as Kharun was in the water, his words in a post-race interview on NBC were just as eye-opening, with the 21-year-old stating: “I’m a part of the team now, and I’m just very happy to be with the big dogs, I guess.”
The United States has long been the sport’s superpower, and Kharun is relishing the opportunity to compete for the Stars & Stripes. While he was born in Canada, Kharun has lived the majority of his life in the United States. Kharun initiated his sporting-nationality change last October, so he is just a few months away from the chance to rep Team USA. That scenario could unfold as soon as the World Short Course Championships, scheduled for December in Beijing.
If nothing else, Kharun obviously bolsters the United States in the butterfly ranks, evidence by the two Olympic bronze medals on his resume. While he will have an impact in individual disciplines, his availability could also strengthen the United States in the 400 medley relay. His presence will raise the bar for the competition, too.
Kharun will race the 100 butterfly during Thursday’s action at Nationals, where he’ll duel again with Dressel. Or, as he put it, with one of the big dogs.
