Léon Marchand’s Paris Olympics stint couldn’t have gone any better. The swimming prodigy turned heads by snagging five Olympic medals in his second berth at the Summer Games. Rightfully dubbed as France’s ‘golden boy’, he didn’t just bag the shiny hardware; the 22-year-old set four new Olympic records at the Paris La Défense Arena. But after an exciting time in the French capital, the swimmer decided to take some time away from all the excitement. And how exactly did he spend that time? 

The Olympian went on a long vacation. “I tried to enjoy it. I also took some time alone where I was able to reflect and think about what I had done.” Given his incredible feat in the French capital, we say it’s well deserved. “So I have more perspective, and I am much more calm about what I did a month and a half ago.” In fact, two of his finals were on the same night, and he conquered them like it was no big deal! Léon now realizes how crazy his achievements are. 

Marchand continued, “I’m so happy to have done it. It’s a lot of work behind it, and that’s what I’m thinking about the most.” If the chants of “Allez Léon” weren’t proof enough, his 4 gold medals helped establish himself as a formidable foe in the pool. However, now that the swimmer has taken some time off to rest, what’s next? “And we’re going to have to get back to work.” But this time, he won’t be training with his long-time coach, Bob Bowman.

Instead, Léon Marchand will now be under Nicolas Castel, who will look after everything training-related until the new year. Bowman helped hone his skills and make him France’s ‘Poster Boy‘. How did he do at the French capital? In his first event, the 400m IM, his Olympic record time of 4:02:95 was enough to get the crowd on their feet. Amid a deafening roar, the prodigy had dethroned Michael Phelps, who held the record for nearly 16 years. He left crowds gobsmacked in the 200m butterfly. The Frenchman’s Olympic record time of 1:51:21 dethroned the defending champion and world record holder, Kristóf Milák.

The Hungarian settled for a second-place finish with 1:51:75 on the clock. But that same night, the wunderkind returned to the Paris La Défense Arena for his next event—the 200m breaststroke. To no one’s surprise, he clinched another gold by setting another Olympic record. Amid roaring cheers from the stands, the swimmer celebrated his incredible win with a time of 2:05:85. Léon Marchand claimed his final gold medal and Olympic record in the 200m individual medley with an insane time of 1:54:06. While Bob Bowman was front and center in the French capital, why is it that the prodigy is not training under him, at present?

Léon Marchand will follow Bob Bowman to Texas

After serving nine seasons with the ASU Sun Devils, the veteran coach sent shockwaves throughout the swimming community. This year was special because of their first-ever national championship. However, he would now be moving on to the next thing. The iconic coach announced that he will take over the new head coach and director’s role for the Texas Longhorns. This left Marchand’s future with ASU up in the air.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Swimming – Men’s 400m Individual Medley Final – Paris La Defense Arena, Nanterre, France – July 28, 2024. Leon Marchand of France celebrates after winning gold and setting a new Olympic record. REUTERS/Evgenia Novozhenina

The prodigy helped lead the Sun Devils to their NCAA title. However, he followed his long-time coach. So why isn’t he doing that now? Castel stated that Bowman is currently busy transitioning into the role of Director of Swimming. In the meantime, the Frenchman will focus on contesting at a few more events under his temporary coach. But he will return to Texas and resume training under Bowman after the year ends. Are you excited for the ‘golden boy’s’ comeback? Let us know in the comments below!