9 Months Before Olympics, Cheerful Michael Phelps Sends Out Heartwarming Message to 21-Year-Old Frenchman That Broke His Last Standing Record

Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian with a record 23 Olympic gold medals. During the course of an illustrious career, the swimming legend had also amassed a number of world records. More recently, the Olympian, who now resides in Arizona with his family, was seen attending a football match between the USC Trojans and Arizona State Sun Devils. Phelps also posted an Instagram carousel recently that showcased him attending the football match with his family as he donned a Trojans’ cap.

While attending the game, Phelps was also asked about his former coach Bob Bowman, and French swimming sensation Leon Marchand. With less than a year to go before the 2024 Paris Olympics, Phelps showered praise on the French swimmer and his coach.

Michael Phelps heaped praise on Leon Marchand

As the USC Trojans and Arizona State Sun Devils squared up against each other in Arizona, Phelps, who was in attendance with his family, highlighted that it was an electrifying experience for him. He also mentioned that it always feels great to see the Mountain America Stadium fill up, and with the students in attendance, the energy is unbeatable.

As Arizona State also hosted a swim meet this past weekend, the Olympian was further asked about Leon Marchand’s performance amidst the upcoming Olympics. According to an X post by Blaze Sports, Phelps said,?“Leon put on a great performance this summer.”

The Baltimore Bullet further praised his former coach Bob Bowman, who currently trains Marchand by highlighting that Bowman has taken the men’s and women’s swimming programs to new heights. “Bob has men and women’s sports in a good spot,” conceded the Flying Fish.

He also mentioned that he looks forward to seeing his former coach train Marchand less than a year ahead of the upcoming 2024 Olympics.

Phelps and Marchand also shared another special encounter a few months ago when the 21-year-old French sensation broke Phelps’ final individual swimming record at the 2023 World Aquatics Championships.

Leon Marchand’s incredible feat

Back in July 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan, Michael Phelps was in attendance as Leon Marchand broke Phelps’ 400m individual medley world record of 4:03.84, which was set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Marchand, who swims at Arizona State, set a new world record as he clocked a time of 4:02.50.

After this iconic win, Phelps himself raised Marchand’s hand at the winner’s podium as he displayed his impeccable sportsmanship. According to a Fox News report, as Phelps watched Marchand finish the race, he said, “I?m just pumped about this swim. Oh, my gosh!”

Read more: Walking in Michael Phelps? Footsteps, Leon Marchand Finds a Newfound Passion in Arizona Devils? MLB Ground

With this, Phelps is now all girded up to see the Frenchman deliver more remarkable performances in his beloved arena. Addressing this incredible spree, Marchand stated in an interview with the New York Post, “That was insane, one of the most painful things I?ve done, It was amazing to do it here and the time is crazy.”?

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