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In an electrifying evening at the Pan Am Sports Centre in Toronto, 23-year-old swimmer Josh Liendo set a remarkable world record in the men’s 100-meter butterfly. This event was the third and final leg of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup, showcasing Liendo’s spectacular performance.
With a deep connection to this venue, where he previously achieved several milestones, Liendo entered the pool with enthusiasm. He broke the world record with a time of 47.68 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 47.71 seconds set by Switzerland’s Noe Ponti, while also clinching two gold medals during the evening.
Setting a new standard
After his exhilarating swim, Liendo expressed disbelief at his accomplishment. “I would have been thrilled with a time under 48 seconds, but seeing the world record displayed just sent me over the edge,” he remarked. The crowd’s energy played a crucial role in his performance, as he felt their support propelling him forward.
A family affair
Among the spectators were Liendo’s family members, including his mother, aunt, and uncle, who cheered him on fervently. He noted how much it meant to perform well in front of his loved ones, stating, “Everyone came tonight, and I was so happy to put on a show for them.” Liendo’s achievement earned him the title of world record holder and a prize of $12,500, including a bonus of $10,000 for breaking the record.
In addition to his success in the 100m butterfly, Liendo dominated the pool by securing a victory in the 50-meter freestyle with a World Cup record time of 20.31 seconds. This victory solidified his position as a top contender in competitive swimming.
Rivalries and recognition
Competing closely behind Liendo was fellow Canadian swimmer Ilya Kharun, who won silver in the 100m butterfly with a time of 48.35 seconds and bronze in the 50m freestyle. Kharun previously held the Canadian record of 49 seconds flat, highlighting the fierce competition between the two athletes.
Their rivalry adds excitement to the Canadian swimming scene as they both strive for excellence.
Historical achievements
Liendo’s accomplishments at the Tokyo Olympics, where he earned a silver medal in the 100m butterfly, marked a significant milestone as he became the first Black Canadian swimmer to secure an Olympic medal. His recognition as Swimming Canada’s Male Swimmer of the Year in further underscores his rising prominence in the sport. Notably, he and Kharun became the first Canadian men to podium in this event since Bruce Robertson in 1972.
Other notable performances
As the competition unfolded, other swimmers showcased their exceptional skills. Hungarian swimmer Hubert Kos made headlines by breaking the world record in the men’s 200-meter backstroke with a stunning time of 1:45.12, surpassing the previous record held by Australian Mitchell Larkin.
The event continues through Saturday, featuring live coverage available on CBC Sports and CBC Gem. Although Canadian star Summer McIntosh is absent due to illness, the competition remains fierce, with many top swimmers vying for medals and records.
As the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup progresses, the excitement surrounding competitive swimming is palpable. Fans eagerly await further performances while celebrating the achievements of talented athletes like Josh Liendo.
