Arizona State?s French Swimming Sensation at Crossroads As Olympic Swimming Event Teeters on the Edge

To achieve his canary-yellow alloy dreams at the Paris Olympics the following year, a talented Frenchman made a national change. The enthusiasm for the Games runs in his family ? his mother swam in the backstroke at the Barcelona Games in 1992 and his father participated in the 2000 Sydney-200 meters individual medley. Keeping the tradition, the swimmer made his Olympic debut in Tokyo and placed sixth in the 400m IM final. He wished for betterment. What could be better than following the same lines as the greatest American swimmer, Michael Phelps?

He flew to the Baltimore Bullet’s coach at Arizona State and subsequently won triple golds in the 2023 World Championship. Having mastered swim distances, the next step toward the Summer Olympics entails serious decision-making as the selection process draws near.

Swimming sensation to make tough choices

Toulouse-born swimmer Leon Marchand joined Arizona State University to work with Bob Bowman, the renowned coach who made Phelps move places. In all seriousness, Marchand left a lasting impression in July at the World Aquatics Championships. As he prepares to travel to his homeland for the Games, a decision looms regarding whether to compete in the 200 butterfly or 200 breaststroke events. Swimming World magazine reported that the prelim and semifinal rounds of each event are set for July 30, while the final is scheduled for July 31.

Aged 22, Leon set and still holds both the distance butterfly (1:53.37) records in the 2022 World Aquatics Championships, and the breaststroke (2:06.59) record in the 2023 French Elite Championships. Marchand probably won’t compete in both competitions. Coach Bob said, ?A decision doesn?t have to be made now. We can take some time, evaluate the situation, and make a decision later.?

As for now, the Frenchman is certain to compete in the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medleys. At the World Championships, he chose to compete in the 200 butterfly winning with ease. What keeps him inspired on foreign soil is his coach and a burning desire to win big in the Olympics. ?Bob tells me I look like Michael Phelps,? he said. Did you know Marchand broke the Baltimore Bullets record recently?

READ MORE Walking in Michael Phelps? Footsteps, Leon Marchand Finds a Newfound Passion in Arizona Devils? MLB Ground

Swimming icon broke Michael Phelps’s record

You know you possess great potential when you break Michael Phelps’s record! Leon Marchand broke Phelps’ world record in the men’s 400-meter individual medley with a time of 4 minutes and 2.50 seconds at the World Aquatics Championships. Phelps had set the previous record of 4:03.84 at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Marchand’s record-breaking performance took place on the first day of the eight-day swimming event.

Phelps’ former coach Bowman embraced Marchand as his favorite to win the 200-meter IM as well, before the upcoming Olympics in Paris. ?The goal is to win a gold medal one day or another. I think that Paris would be a great time,? Marchand hinted about his future plans.

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