The 2024 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup have been as thrilling as ever. If you haven’t been following the international swimming circuit, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. With two stops down, the competition finally arrived in Singapore today. Even though Léon Marchand had his fair share of ups and downs throughout, all of that faded away on day 1 of the final stop. While France’s Golden Boy stunned the crowds during the Paris Olympics and the first two stops of the World Cup, this takes it one step further. 

Amid thundering cheers of “Allez Léon,” the 22-year-old clinched 5 medals with 4 Olympic Records. So, it’s safe to say that his second berth was a resounding success. After a short but much-needed break, he was itching to make a splash in the pool again. With renewed vigor, the Olympian threw his hat for contention in the ongoing World Cup. Day 1 may be done and dusted, but the swimming prodigy has etched his name among the best. How did he do?

Léon Marchand takes the Triple Crown in Singapore

In the men’s 100m IM, the swimmer who previously won two golds in Shanghai and Incheon delivered once again in Singapore. With a stunning 49.92 seconds on the clock, he claimed his third World Cup title in the event, setting a new World Cup Record. But that’s not all—Léon Marchand also set a new European Record, becoming the first man from his continent to break the 50-second barrier. It’s clear that Marchand Mania is still going strong!

When the Olympian snagged the gold in Shanghai, his fiercest rival, Noe Ponti, was .01 seconds behind and settled for a second place instead. But the tables turned when the duo locked horns again in Incheon. Even though they weren’t first off the blocks, both swimmers eventually bagged the gold with 51.00s on the clock. They continued their chase for the coveted prize in the prelims earlier today. Marchand was faster at the 50, but Ponti surged past in the last 25, touching the wall in 52.41. The Frenchman trailed behind with 52.53s on the clock. 

However, during the finals, nothing could stop Léon Marchand. His blistering time in the 100m individual medley makes him the 2nd man in the world to hit a 49-point time. In fact, the swimmer now comfortably takes up the #2 spot on the all-time list. Who’s above him, you ask? It is none other than Caeleb Dressel, with his World Record of 49.28 set at ISL’s Grand Final in Budapest in 2020. However, the prodigy wasn’t the only one who shattered a record. Ponti’s 50.39s set a new Swiss National Record. Yet, his rise to the top might not be all he hoped for.

France’s Golden Boy left reeling for a quieter life

Shattering records and bagging golds have become the norm for the swimmer. Yet, it also has proven to be a major thorn in his side. Known to be an introvert, the Olympian prefers to walk the streets of his nation without being recognized. But after turning heads during the Summer Games, life in France has entirely changed. What change would that be?

The 22-year-old confessed he wasn’t comfortable back home due to the constant attention. Léon Marchand often has been hounded by fans on the streets. It got so unbearable that the swimmer eventually hid behind a cap and glasses, hoping to sneak under the radar undetected. But this experience has also made him realize something poignant.

During his stint in the first two stops of the Swimming World Cup, he finally got to experience the life he was yearning for – no attention and no paparazzi. “There was so much pressure around the Olympics that I think I really need to relax in the upcoming season,” the 22-year-old admitted. However, things have been different this time around. 

Léon Marchand confessed that no one recognized him in China or South Korea. So he didn’t need to use a disguise to move out and about. “I can just be myself; I do more or less what I want; no one recognizes me, so it’s good.” We don’t blame him for wanting to have a few moments away from the spotlight. But bagging the Triple Crown is a huge deal! Regardless of whether he gets hounded by fans or not, the Olympian has etched his name among the titans of the swimming world!