Josh Liendo Bypassing Pan Pacific Championships; Placing Focus on Commonwealth Games
Another big name will be missing from next month’s Pan Pacific Championships, as Canadian star Josh Liendo has opted to focus on the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Liendo confirmed to SwimSwam that he will bypass the Pan Pacific Champs, which are scheduled for Irvine, California from August 12-15, and place his summer emphasis on Commonwealths, where he is the reigning champion in the 100-meter butterfly.
Coming off three titles at his final NCAA Championships, Liendo is expected to contest the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly at the Commonwealth Games. The Canadian is one of seven men in history to break the 50-second barrier in the 100 fly, owning a personal best of 49.99 from the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. That performance landed Liendo a silver medal, behind titlist Kristof Milak of Hungary.
Over the past year, in addition to his trio of NCAA titles during his final collegiate meet, Liendo established a world record in the short-course version of the 100 butterfly, going 47.68.
Liendo will not be the only significant name absent from Pan Pacs, as Australians Cam McEvoy and Kyle Chalmers previously announced they will focus on the Commonwealth Games before returning home to spend time with their families.