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Coach Bob Bowman has a respectable status in the realm of swimming. But why so? The 59-year-old is responsible for coaching many outstanding talents, including Michael Phelps, who spent his entire swimming career under his wing, securing 23 Olympic gold medals and many more accolades. They maintained their partnership until the American swimmer’s retirement in 2016.

However, one who’s often dubbed as Phelps’ successor in the sport, as he also trains under Bowman, has different plans for the 2025 season. Many athletes are feeling the pressure of the NCAA, but Leon Marchand is prepared to think differently and is eager to embark on a new coaching journey under a rival Australian coach. After all, when it comes to swimming, the rivalry between America and Australia is a grave one.

Doing what Michael Phelps never did

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Leon Marchand has achieved immense success in Paris, becoming one of the few athletes to win four gold medals in a single Olympic Games. This was a pure redemption for the French swimmer, who wasn’t able to shine in Tokyo because of a lack of experience back in 2021. He also never failed to acknowledge the importance of his coach Bob Bowman in his success, just like Michael Phelps did during his time.

Despite all the success, Marchand remains open to change and prepares for a new journey at the start of his 2025 campaign. As posted by Tom Decent on X, the French swimmer is set to arrive in Australia to train with coach Dean Boxall, who is another elite coach in his field, as he heads the Brisbane-based St. Peters Western Club that put 10 swimmers on the 2024 Australian Olympic team. Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, the Olympic champion revealed his plans, stating, “I’m going to try to change swimming, discipline. Try to travel a bit more, do other things, meet people from different cultures, et cetera.”

Marchand now knows what it is like to be a gold medalist, so he’s taking big steps in his already stellar career. Also, he isn’t backing off from any challenge, as he wants to change for more accolades in his career. Furthermore, clarifying this change in coach, the French swimmer unveiled, stating, “So, official announcement, I have planned to go to Australia in January for two, three months. I’m going to try and see a different culture, to train with a different coach, and after I’ll join [regular coach] Bob Bowman in Austin during the year.”

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What’s your perspective on:

Is Leon Marchand's move to Australia a game-changer, or should he stick with Bob Bowman?

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However, does this change affect the relationship that Marchand has with his current coach? Absolutely not! According to the 22-year-old, Bowman appreciated him looking forward to things with a different lens, and he’s glad he’s doing it for the betterment of his career. The American swimming coach takes great pride in having trained one of the sport’s most talented athletes. While there are many comparisons between Phelps and Marchand, the French swimmer addressed them immediately after their feats in Paris.

Leon Marchand’s thoughts on comparisons

The accolades that Leon Marchand has earned at just 22 years old are truly mesmerizing. However, all the glory that he has been able to achieve under coach Bob Bowman also makes the community label him as the next Michael Phelps in the sport. But does he mind these comparisons? Speaking to Clique TV, Marchand conveyed his thoughts on these statements, stating, “I learned to live with it. Surpassing for me is my main objective.” 

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Every time he goes to the pool, he always has a single mindset, which is to get ahead of his own records. He isn’t bothered to think about what the others are making out of his performances, but he’s more focused on his own work. Pushing himself beyond his limits has been his main priority, which the world did see at the Paris Olympics.

Marchand secured his career-first Olympic gold medal in the French capital, but did he stop with just a single one? No, he proceeded to dominate many events, as he secured three more golds and a bronze medal.

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Is Leon Marchand's move to Australia a game-changer, or should he stick with Bob Bowman?