Leon Marchand, the 22-year-old French swimming sensation, brought immense pride to his nation by winning gold in the men’s 400-meter individual medley at the Paris Olympics. With the crowd cheering him on, Marchand’s victory in the 400 IM not only showcased his incredible talent but also cemented his status as a rising star in the world of swimming.
From the moment he hit the water, Marchand took the lead and maintained his dominance throughout the race, finishing with an Olympic record time of 4 minutes, 2.95 seconds. His performance brought back memories of Michael Phelps, and with coach Bob Bowman by his side, Marchand is poised for even greater achievements.
France celebrates as Marchand delivers on the hopes of his nation, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with in the swimming world.
NANTERRE, France (AP) — Leon Marchand, the rising star in swimming, carried the comparisons to Michael Phelps and the hopes of a nation with ease.
The 22-year-old French swimmer set himself up to be a standout at the Paris Olympics.
With a supportive crowd cheering his every stroke, Marchand won a gold medal for France with a dominating performance in the men’s 400-meter individual medley on Sunday night.
From the start, Marchand took the lead and steadily increased his advantage, turning the race into two competitions: Marchand against the clock and the others competing for silver and bronze.
“I started very, very fast,” Marchand said. “I didn’t look at the other lanes. I was focused on myself.”
Marchand was on world-record pace at the final turn but slowed slightly, finishing in 4 minutes, 2.95 seconds — an Olympic record, though just shy of his world mark of 4:02.50. He set the world record at last year’s world championships in Fukuoka, Japan, breaking the 15-year-old record held by Phelps.
Marchand is frequently compared to Phelps, especially since he is coached by American Bob Bowman, who guided Phelps throughout his legendary career.
