Olympic medallist Josh Liendo focused on busy summer swimming schedule
Canadian Olympic swimmer Josh Liendo, at just 22 years old, is already making a significant impact as a mentor for up-and-coming swimmers. Hailing from Toronto, Liendo recently completed his third year at the University of Florida, where he has amassed an impressive nine NCAA national titles, including three consecutive wins in the men’s 100-yard freestyle event.
Reflecting on his journey, Liendo shared, “Freshman Josh was just trying to find my way and figure out how to swim in the NCAA. I’ve already been through it. I can help some of these younger guys, especially internationals who don’t really know anything about yards.” His experience and success have positioned him as a valuable resource for his peers.
Liendo’s accolades extend beyond the collegiate level, with four world medals under his belt, including three earned during his breakout season at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest in 2022. He has also represented Canada in the past two Olympic Games, clinching his first Olympic medal—a silver in the 100-meter butterfly—in Paris 2024.
Looking ahead, Liendo is eager to build upon his previous performances and continue refining his skills. He expressed, “Last summer, there were some good results and there were some results that I would want to improve on. Just excited to kind of put together what I’ve been working on and training.”
In addition to his competitive endeavors, Liendo is gearing up for the Canadian swim trials in June and the aquatics worlds in Singapore in July. His training at the University of Florida under the guidance of coach Anthony Nesty, who also coaches the legendary Katie Ledecky, has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his development.
Speaking of Ledecky’s recent world record-breaking performance in the 800m freestyle, Liendo commended her work ethic and positive attitude. He remarked, “She’s someone that works so hard, no one deserves it more. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone at that level with a better attitude than Katie.”
As Liendo prepares for the upcoming competitions and continues to inspire the next generation of swimmers, his dedication to the sport and commitment to excellence serve as a testament to his promising future in the world of swimming.
