Canadian world record holder Josh Liendo confirmed to SwimSwam today that he will not be swimming at Pan Pacs this summer, prioritizing the Commonwealth Games instead.
Liendo, who broke the SCM 100 butterfly world record in October, is the latest in a line of male sprinters to choose to forego Pan Pacs. Australians Cameron McEvoy, Kyle Chalmers, and Matthew Temple also will not be racing in Irvine in August. Liendo’s withdrawal deals another blow to the sprint depth at the meet.
The two meets run just two weeks apart with the Commonwealth Games hosting swimming from Friday, July 24 to Wednesday, July 29 and Pan Pacs starting just 14 days later on Wednesday, August 12th.
Liendo told SwimSwam that the meets being so close together was one of the factors behind his decision to only race at one. He is also working an internship in Gainesville, where he trains at the University of Florida, this summer, and he wants to focus on his upcoming college graduation this fall.
He is coming off a very strong senior short course season at the University of Florida, where he set a new NCAA record in the 100 fly of 42.49 and won all three of his individual events at the NCAA Championships.
Canada announced their 12-person Commonwealth roster in October, of which Liendo is the only male individual Olympian, though Lorne Wigginton swam on Canada’s 800 freestyle relay in 2024.
Liendo will be one of the favorites to win multiple events this summer in Glasgow, including the 100 fly, though he will face steep competition from Temple, who finished just behind Liendo at last summer’s World Championships and currently holds the 4th fastest time in the world this season.
With Liendo not attending Pan Pacs, no athletes from last summer’s 100 butterfly ‘A’ final will be racing the event in Irvine.
Shaine’s gonna be able to have a tea break in the 100 fly. No Kharun, no Liendo and obviously no Ponti, Milak, or Grousset
Yet another reason why I hate the Pan Pacs year.
I am not too amped up for Pan Pacs on the men’s side. Should I be? Anyone know what’s going on with Alexy? Is he alright?
Hank, I think this year for the men will be “let’s see if anyone surprises us”. Different POV we’ll need to have versus the women’s meet.
He has decided to swim the 6 day meet instead of the 4 day one. pan pacs would be the soft route.
wouldnt more events in fewer days be less soft