Leon Marchand Shines at Home Games with Olympic Record in 400m Individual Medley
- Léon Marchand set a new Olympic record in the men's 400-meter individual medley final.
- He achieved the fastest time during the preliminary round in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
- This performance has solidified his reputation as a top swimmer, often compared to the legendary Michael Phelps.
In a thrilling display of athleticism, French swimmer Leon Marchand captivated the crowd at La Defense Arena on July 28, 2024, as he claimed gold in the 400-meter individual medley. The 22-year-old, son of two Olympic swimmers, set a new Olympic record with a time of 4:02.95, solidifying his status as the world's leading male swimmer. Marchand's performance was marked by a commanding lead from the outset, as he outpaced his competitors by nearly six seconds, showcasing his dominance in the pool. The atmosphere was electric, with approximately 15,000 fans cheering Marchand on as he swam. His coach, Bob Bowman, who also trained Michael Phelps, has been instrumental in Marchand's rise to prominence. Following his victory, Marchand received a congratulatory call from French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his pride in watching the race with his family. In other events, defending Olympic champion Chase Kalisz failed to qualify for the final, while 19-year-old David Popovici led the 200 freestyle prelims. Notable performances included South African Tatjana Smith topping the 100 breaststroke prelims and American Ryan Murphy advancing in the 100 backstroke, aiming to reclaim his Olympic title. Ariarne Titmus, fresh off her victory over Katie Ledecky, began her defense of the 200-meter freestyle title with a strong showing, trailing only her teammate and a Canadian swimmer. The competition continues to heat up as athletes vie for Olympic glory in Paris.