?He Is Such an Underrated?: Despite Michael Phelps? 21-Year-Old Last Standing Record Being Erased, Millions Join Hands to Reminisce the ?Baltimore Bullet?s? Phenomenal Journey

Swimming demigod Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all time. His legacy has been etched in gold, with world records that seemed insurmountable. However, records are meant to be broken. On the same note, Swimming fans experiencing the ongoing World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan witnessed the tides of change, as a 21-year-old French sensation ushered in a new era in swimming.

Michael Phelps’ last remaining world record, a feat that was unachievable for 21 years, has been finally claimed by French swimming prodigy, Leon Marchand. Nevertheless, after the Flying Fish’s last 21-year-old record was shattered, the official Olympics Instagram handle paid tribute to the most successful swimmer of all time.

Michael Phelps’ last remaining swimming world record

Phelps’ record in the 400 meters individual medley was first set in 2002. Over the years, he constantly bettered his record and his last revised timing was achieved at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was one of the last remaining world records in swimming that he still held. But the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, etched a new record holder’s name in 400 meters individual medley as Frenchman Leon Marchand broke Phelps’ world record.

Marchand’s time of 4:02.50 was a full 1.34 seconds faster than Phelps’ world record mark in 2008. In fact, Marchand was only 6 years old when the most decorated Olympian in history set his world record at the Beijing Olympics. The official Instagram account of the Olympics also shared a heartfelt post of appreciation for the most decorated Olympian of all time. A part of the post’s caption read, ?His name is Phelps, Michael Phelps?

The video montage, a breathtaking fusion of Phelps’ medal-winning moments and iconic appearances in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, and Rio 2016, perfectly captured the essence of his legendary journey. Phelps’ world record, held for almost 21 years, represented the pinnacle of swimming excellence. With the conclusion of this race, Marchand claimed his third gold medal at the ongoing world championships.

The Frenchman was over 4 seconds quicker than USA’s Carson Foster, who finished 2nd. Japan’s Seto Daiya finished third, nearly 7 seconds behind Marchand. Marchand is currently being coached by none other than Bob Bowman. Fans were quick to react to the Olympics’ Instagram post and paid tribute to an icon.

Fans flood the Olympics comments section

After an iconic finish, fans flooded the comments section of the Olympics’ post with messages of respect for Phelps. They also acknowledged the extraordinary feat of Leon Marchand and encouraged the prodigy with messages of admiration. One fan, while admiring Phelps, wrote, “GOAT for a reason. But he is such an underrated. he has no popularity.”

Another user highlighted Phelps’ accolades over the years and commented,?“As of 2023, he won 23 olympic gold medals. G O A T of swimming.”?One fan urged people to now rally behind Leon Marchand and wrote,?“Now it?s time to not forget Leon Marchand?s name.”?Another individual brought attention to Phelps’ records and wrote,?“unluckily he has no more world records…”?One fan highlighted Michael Phelps’ legacy and commented,?“greatest athlete of all time.”

As Marchand received the gold medal from the very man whose record he had conquered, it marked a symbolic passing of the torch from one era to another. A new era in swimming has dawned. As the legacy of Michael Phelps endures, the ascent of Leon Marchand symbolizes the relentless spirit of progress and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in the world of swimming.

Watch this story: As Michael Phelps’ 21-Year-old Record Gets Shattered by French Swimming Sensation, Legend-Maker Coach Bowman’s Name Gets Etched in History