Ilya Kharun Shines as ASU Swimming Leader After Olympic Triumph

Sports Clara Montgomery October 9, 2024

Ilya Kharun Shines as ASU Swimming Leader After Olympic Triumph

Ilya Kharun, a 2024 Olympics bronze medalist, returns to ASU to lead the swim team in a new season under coach Herbie Behm. Kharun celebrated significant success in Paris, winning two medals, and aims to take on a larger leadership role within the team after a stellar freshman year, while ASU’s program experiences a renaissance following previous difficulties.

Ilya Kharun, a standout swimmer from Arizona State University (ASU) and a bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, made a mark during the Olympic finals of the 200-meter butterfly event held on July 31. Kharun, originally from Canada, claimed the bronze, while his former teammate Leon Marchand from France secured the gold. Just four days later, Kharun repeated his success with another bronze in the 100-meter butterfly, achieving this at the young age of 19. After his Olympic triumph, Kharun has returned to Tempe, Arizona, to continue leading ASU’s swim and dive team in a new season under the guidance of coach Herbie Behm. In a reflective moment, Kharun shared his sentiments regarding the honor of representing his country at the Olympic Games, expressing how it took time for him to fully appreciate the gravity of his achievements. He stated, “It did take me some time to actually (realize) like wow, I was there. Because in the moment at the Olympics, I didn’t think of it as a big deal. Kharun, whose medals are proudly displayed in his apartment, humbled himself by acknowledging the sacrifices of others, saying, “There are people in the world doing so many things way harder than this, all I have to do is swim four laps.” He was born to Ukrainian parents in Montreal and grew up primarily in Las Vegas before joining ASU last fall. Kharun had a remarkable freshman year, contributing significantly to ASU’s accomplishment, including earning two gold medals at the NCAA championships. Despite being under pressure during competitions, Kharun managed his nerves by simplifying his focus to completing just four laps. Now back at ASU, he is reacquainted with coach Herbie Behm, who was previously an associate coach before stepping into the head coach role after the departure of long-time coach Bob Bowman to the University of Texas. Behm understands the challenges the program faced in the past, particularly recalling a pivotal moment during which the team’s future depended on selling enough raffle tickets to remain intact. Under Behm’s leadership, the ASU men’s swim team is now thriving, having just won an NCAA championship, while the women’s team achieved a top-25 finish. The international recognition accompanying Kharun’s success has surprisingly elevated Behm’s profile as well, as he found out at the Canadian Trials where individuals were already familiar with him. Kharun aims to expand his role within the team this season, providing guidance to younger teammates in their training and lifestyle choices. He led the season with a strong performance against UNLV, where he won both of his events by almost two seconds. The Sun Devils have an upcoming meet against Grand Canyon University, the University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University in Tempe. Kharun’s diverse background, being the son of Ukrainian parents, born in Canada, and raised in the United States, provides him a rich cultural identity. In Tempe, he has found a supportive environment that feels like his second home, remarking, “Of course, I have my country, but now, this (ASU) is like my second country.”

The 2024 Paris Olympics were a significant event for athletes, drawing global attention, and marking a pivotal point in their careers. Athletes like Ilya Kharun, originally from Canada, have showcased their talents on an international stage. The transition to collegiate athletics often presents challenges, and Kharun’s return to Arizona State University (ASU) after achieving Olympic success reflects the interplay between elite competition and collegiate sports. Coaches play a vital role in guiding athletes through this transition, as seen with Herbie Behm taking the helm of ASU’s swim and dive team after a successful tenure with previous leadership. The rise of ASU’s swimming program following a troubled past and Kharun’s recent achievements highlight the program’s resilience and potential.

Ilya Kharun’s journey from Olympic medalist to leader of the ASU swim team exemplifies the dedication of athletes navigating both international and collegiate competitions. His ability to maintain perspective amid achievements, coupled with his commitment to mentoring younger swimmers, epitomizes the spirit of sportsmanship. Under the experienced guidance of Coach Herbie Behm, the ASU swim program is well-positioned to sustain its growth and success. Kharun’s contributions, both in the pool and as a role model, are paving the way for an exciting new era for the Sun Devils swimming team.

Original Source: cronkitenews.azpbs.org