First event, first win… and new record for Léon Marchand. Engaged in the final of the 200m breaststroke of the French swimming championships on Sunday 11 June in Rennes, the 21-year-old prodigy signed the best world performance of the year, the fourth in history, and improved the national record he already held : 2 min 06 sec 59. Australian Zac Stubblety-Cook’s world record is just a hair: 64 cents (2 min 05 sec 95).
🚀 The Léon Marchand rocket! ⏱🤯 Engaged in the 200m breaststroke final of the 2023 French Swimming Championships, the Toulousanese broke the French record and signed the best world performance of the year. https://t.co/Qv1UQJNLAH
the Toulouse, twice world champion in Budapest last year – in the 200 and 400 m medley – and announced star of the Paris 2024 Olympics, confirms his dazzling form, he who remained undefeated during the university season in the United States, where he trains with Bob Bowman, the former coach of Michael Phelps.
“I think I can do better”
On Thursday, in a press conference at the TOEC in Toulouse, his debut club, Léon Marchand explained that the French championships were a “mandatory step” towards his main goal of the year: the World Championships in Japan, from July 23 to 30 in Fukuoka. “There are moments to go and you still need to be in good shape to reach them”he then summarized.
Especially since the young man is ambitious: ” Last year [en Hongrie], I didn’t have much international experience at senior level, I managed to win two races, it was great, but I think I can do better [au Japon]. »
In the meantime, therefore, it is in Brittany that we must shine. Léon Marchand will have the opportunity, he is lined up for the 200 and 400 m medley, the 100 and 200 m butterfly, as well as the 200 m freestyle. If he looks forward to being on deck every day- “It will be nice to be able to swim against the French swimmers” –not sure if his direct rivals share his enthusiasm.
