At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Canadians are experiencing a flash from the past of 1976 when they bagged two medals in swimming on a sunny day. Josh Liendo and Ilya Kharun have given perfect exhilaration for fans with spectacular silver and bronze finishes in the men’s 100-meter butterfly respectively.
Canadian icon Josh Liendo proved his captaincy with a well deserved win in 49.99 seconds, despite his close miss on Friday. As an athlete, he expressed love for every low and high that comes his way in the Olympics, from the pressure and competition to the glory that comes with persistence. Speed has just earned him a coveted spot in Paris 2024. A whistle miss in his debut Olympics brought out the best in him.
Speaking to the National Post prior to the game, Ilya Kharun said, “The final of the Olympics, that’s where you find out who’s able to execute under the most pressure. I just want to be able to execute. It’s racing at its best and I love to race.” 
The event also marked a moment of pride for Liendo, who became the first black Canadian swimmer to win an Olympic medal. He spoke to CBC Olympics and said, “It’s awesome, right? It’s a huge milestone, and it’s something that I don’t take lightly.”
“Definitely a lot of pride to be able to get that, and it’s just a surreal moment. This day and the crowd, just kind of everything coming together. It’s hard to put into words.”
Cherry on Cake From Josh-IIya Kharun
After finishing second in the 100-meter butterfly final, the Toronto native Josh Liendo became the second to reach the podium. But it wasn’t all glory for Canada on that day as Ilya Kharun won a bronze medal 0.46 seconds behind him. Kharun arrived with big hopes at Paris 2024 and he has delivered to all faith with a maiden bronze medal in the 100-meter butterfly.
Kharun after his medal triumph said to the CBC Olympics, “This is what I wanted, but I knew [in] the 100 fly, the competition was so crazy that the top three was just a dream for the 100 fly. I’m just so glad I finally got it. I was in disbelief when I touched the wall, and it’s just so great.”
Expressing the joy Kharun added, “I think it’s a lot of hard work and dedication,” Kharun said. “Me and Josh [Liendo], a couple days ago, spoke about how crazy it would be [if] me and him both got on the podium. I’m so glad we spoke it into existence. It’s such a great feeling.”
“I think, like, two (or) three days ago. It was right before the 100 fly, and I was like, What if we both get on this podium, and that would just be crazy because it’s never been done before.’”
Although every day has turned into Canadian athletes breaking records and creating historic moments for the nation. The duo cling another one with this win, by becoming Canada’s only other Olympic double podium in the Olympic race.
The unexpected miss at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The day also witnessed the Candida swimmer Taylor Ruck competing in the 50m freestyle event. After finishing 13th, the four-time Olympic medalist missed her chance to advance to the finals, losing the chance of adding another medal to her collection.
Swimmers adding to the glory at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Ahead of the biggest breakout of the successful dual medal in the men’s single event. It was another celebration day for fans as both the women’s and men’s 4x100m medley relays qualified for the finals.
As a team, the women’s quartet of Ingris Wilm, Sophie Angrus, Marry-Sophie Harvey and Penny Oleksiak finished second fastest in the heats. In 3:56.10, turning hopes to a medal upgrade at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Added to the tally were the men’s quartet including Blake Tierney, Knox, Kharun, and Javier Acevedo who made it to the finals with a clocked time of 3:32.33.
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