Ilya Kharun

Ilya Kharun (born February 7, 2005) is a Canadian and American competitive swimmer who specializes in the butterfly. He won bronze medals in the 100 m and 200 m butterfly at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, improving his Canadian national record in the process.

Early life Kharun was born in Montreal in 2005 as his Ukrainian parents were acrobats who performed there in Cirque du Soleil. The family would eventually move to Las Vegas where they would continue their entertainment careers with Cirque du Soleil.

Kharun made his international debut for Canada at the 2022 World Short Course championships. Kharun won two medals at the event, set two World Junior records and three Canadian records. Under World Aquatics rules, Kharun will not be able to represent the United States until one year after his release from Swimming Canada, enough time to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Personal bests Long course (50-metre pool) Event Time Venue Date Notes Ref 50 m butterfly 22.59 2026 Toyota National Championships July 29, 2026 100 m butterfly 50.05 2026 Toyota National Championships August 2, 2026 200 m butterfly 1:52.80 Paris, France July 31, 2024 NR

Short course (25-metre pool) Event Time Venue Date Notes Ref 50 m butterfly 21.67 Danube Arena, Budapest December 11, 2024 NR, AM 100 m butterfly 48.35 Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, Toronto October 23, 2025 200 m butterfly 1:48.24 Danube Arena, Budapest December 12, 2024 NR, AM, CR