Josh Liendo made an impressive appearance at the Pan Am Sports Centre, a venue close to his heart with a history of personal achievements. This is where the 23-year-old swimmer set an Ontario record in the 100m freestyle in 2017, secured his first Olympic team spot, and holds multiple Canadian records. During the recent World Aquatics Swimming World Cup event, Liendo set a new short course world record in the men’s 100 butterfly, clocking in at 47.68 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 47.71 held by Noe Ponti from Switzerland.
Liendo expressed his disbelief at achieving a world record during the competition, stating that he had expected a time around 48 seconds and was ecstatic to see the record-breaking time displayed. His exceptional performance also included winning a gold medal in the men’s 50 freestyle later that evening. Liendo credited the supportive atmosphere of the pool and the crowd for motivating him to such remarkable success.
As a two-time Olympian, Liendo earned $12,500 for his outstanding performance, with a significant portion attributed to his world record achievement. Among the spectators cheering for him were his mother, aunt, uncle, and former chiropractor, all witnessing his historic moment.
Byron MacDonald, the head coach at the University of Toronto and a swimming analyst for CBC Sports, commended Liendo’s performance, emphasizing his exceptional skills and predicting that breaking the world record was inevitable for the talented athlete. Liendo’s impeccable start and pace throughout the race showcased his mastery of the sport, eventually leading to a well-deserved victory.
In a remarkable feat, Liendo also secured a World Cup record in the men’s 50 freestyle, further solidifying his dominance in the competition. Despite previous competitions where Kharun had outperformed him, Liendo’s recent achievements have solidified his position as a top Canadian swimmer, making history as the first Black Canadian swimmer to win an Olympic medal.
The competition is ongoing, offering thrilling moments for swimming enthusiasts. Notable performances from other athletes, including world records set by Hubert Kos and impressive displays by various international swimmers, add to the excitement of the event. Live streaming coverage is available for those eager to witness the remaining events of the competition.
