Canadian Star Joshua Liendo Taking His Talents to the University of Florida
Canadian Olympian Joshua Liendo, one of the most promising youngsters in the sport, announced via Instagram on Thursday that he will attend the University of Florida and compete for the Gators. The university confirmed the commitment in a press release, which means Florida will welcome the services of an athlete who won bronze medals in the 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly at June’s World Championships in Budapest.
Liendo will join the program of coach Anthony Nesty and will provide immediate strength to an already impressive roster. In addition to serving as a sprint-freestyle and 100 butterfly standout, Liendo will be a key on multiple relays. Florida is trying to crack the stranglehold that Cal-Berkeley and Texas have had on the NCAA title for the past decade.
For the Canadian men, Liendo is an heir apparent of sorts to Brent Hayden, who carried the country for years. With the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris less than two years away, Liendo is expected to be a medal contender in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 100 butterfly. He was the gold medalist in the 100 fly at last month’s Commonwealth Games.
By moving his training to Gainesville, Liendo will also get the chance to work alongside a stacked pro group, one that is headlined by Caeleb Dressel. The chance to work with the reigning Olympic champ in the sprint freestyles offers Liendo an opportunity to take his training to a new level.