Ilya Kharun has snapped an Olympic drought for Canadian male swimmers.
Kharun became the first Canadian man to win an Olympic swimming medal since 2012 when he captured bronze in the 200-metre butterfly Wednesday at Paris 2024.
“It’s just hard work, and I knew what I wanted. Of course, I wanted to win but at least we got something,” Kharun told CBC Olympics after the race.
Leon Marchand of France rallied in the last 50 metres to win his second gold at the meet in an Olympic-record one minute, 51.21 seconds. Hungary’s Kristof Milak was second in 1:51.75 and Kharun set a Canadian-record time in third at 1:52.80.
“I’m very happy about the time,” he later added to CBC Olympics. I finally dipped under 53, which is like, ‘Thank God.’ I’m very happy about it.”
It is the seventh medal at the Olympics for Canada (two gold, two silver, three bronze).
Kharun, 19, posted the third-fastest time in the semifinals.
The Canadian men didn’t win a swimming medal in the past two Olympics and didn’t even qualify for an event final three years ago in Tokyo.
Kharun finished fourth in last year’s world championships in 200-m butterfly.
Kharun was born in Montreal but has spent most of his life in the United States. His parents are performers with Cirque du Soleil, per Devin Heroux of CBC Olympics.
The family moved to Las Vegas around the time Kharun was one.
“Thank you so much for the support, it means a lot,” Kharun said in a message to Canadians to finish his post-race interview. “Coming from someone who’s a late bloomer (in the) sport, it’s just so great to have this.”
Meanwhile, Canada’s Summer McIntosh posted the fastest time in the women’s 200-metre butterfly semifinals (2:04.87).
The Toronto teen will go for her third medal and second gold at Paris 2024 on Thursday at 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT.
McIntosh has won this event at the past two world championships.