Josh Liendo made a triumphant return to the Pan Am Sports Centre, a place filled with significant milestones in his swimming career. The 23-year-old Toronto native, who holds numerous Canadian records, added to his accolades by setting a short course world record in the men’s 100 butterfly. Liendo’s impressive time of 47.68 seconds surpassed the previous record of 47.71 held by Switzerland’s Noe Ponti.
In an interview with CBC Sports’ Devin Heroux, Liendo expressed his astonishment at achieving a world record during the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup. The elated swimmer mentioned his initial expectation of a 48-second finish and credited the energetic atmosphere and supportive crowd for his exceptional performance.
Liendo’s remarkable feat earned him $12,500 in prize money, including a $10,000 bonus for setting the world record. Among the spectators cheering him on were his mother, aunt, uncle, and former chiropractor, all of whom witnessed his outstanding display.
Byron MacDonald, the head coach at the University of Toronto and a swimming analyst for CBC Sports, commended Liendo’s prowess in the pool. MacDonald noted Liendo’s outstanding performance in the 100 butterfly, emphasizing that the world record was an inevitable achievement for the talented athlete.
Liendo’s success continued as he clinched another gold medal in the men’s 50 freestyle, setting a World Cup record with a time of 20.31 seconds. Montreal’s Ilya Kharun secured the bronze in this event, showcasing the competitive spirit among Canadian swimmers. Liendo’s previous achievements as a two-time Olympian and the first Black Canadian swimmer to win an Olympic medal highlight his growing legacy in the sport.
The competition in Toronto witnessed other outstanding performances, including a world record set by Hungary’s Hubert Kos in the men’s 200 backstroke. Despite the absence of Canadian star Summer McIntosh due to illness, the event featured remarkable displays of talent from international swimmers.
As the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup unfolds, fans can enjoy live streaming coverage of the remaining events on CBC Sports and CBC Gem. The competition promises more thrilling moments and record-breaking performances as top swimmers continue to showcase their skills on the world stage.