Canadian Swimmer Destroys American Rivals To Claim Final Gold Of US Open Swimming Championship

Before the 2023 US Open Swimming Championship, Ilya Kharun’s traveling habit made the headlines. Since his birth, the 18-year-old swimmer has had to travel to several places with his parents. However, the larger share of that traveling duration has been spent in the USA. In his latest traveling spree, the youngster had to move from the Nevada Sandpipers program to under the tutelage of a legendary coach who was instrumental in Michael Phelps’ 23 Olympic gold medals. 

Lately, Ilya Kharun joined Arizona State University, where he received Bob Bowman as his coach. That seemed to pan out as an optimistic change for Ilya in the US Open Swimming Championship this time. 

Ilya Kharun reigns in 200m butterfly 

Ilya Kharun came back stronger in the 2023 US Open Swimming Championship. Previously, he had to digest defeat from the former world champion swimmer, Caeleb Dressel, in the 50 m free. However, in the 200m butterfly, the Canadian Swimmer went past the concerted challenges from Martin Espernberger and Trenton Julian to get the gold medal. The swim coverage tweeted the timings of the pack with the caption, “2023 Toyota US Open Men’s 200m Butterfly Final”

Trenton Julian appeared in the event as the favorite. However, Zach Harting was also there to strengthen the competition. But Trenton came at the third position whereas Zach Harting got the 7th. However, Ilya Kharun had to climb to another height to become victorious this time. 

Dominik Mark Torok came short in another final 

Ilya Kharun had to come over several points to clinch the glory. In final A, Ilya Kharun’s clocking, 1:54.66 appeared to make a record in the 200m butterfly event. In the final B Dominik Mark Torok from Wisconsin pulled out a victory. But his timing, 1:57.45 had to make another record to go past Ilya Kharun’s title contention to earn the glory. That didn’t happen. 

Read more: 17-Year-Old Canadian Swimmer Created a New 50m Men’s Butterfly World Junior Record

However, the final A was never out of excitement. Martin Espernberger from Tennessee gave a dream run in the last leg. He outperformed the 18-year-old Canadian in the irrevocable part. Additionally, Julian Trenton from the third lane made an outlandish command in the last half. But that couldn’t deter Ilya Kharun from touching the ending line before them. Kharun would want to keep this performance at par with his glitterings in the Worlds this year. Still, his ‘traveling’ habit is making his chance strong again just before the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

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