Olympic Games News:

Local Swimming Star May Shine in Paris

Written by Edda Bevilacqua

Many big-name swimming stars, including Americans Caeleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky, will appear in Paris. A local favorite, Leon Marchand, may be one to watch as well. Marchand, 22, broke Michael Phelps’ 15-year-old world record in the 400-meter individual medley at the World Champions in Fukuoka, Japan. Marchand will also compete in the 200-meter individual medley and 200 butterfly, events in which Michael Phelps also excelled.

Marchand’s coach, Bob Bowman, who also coached Michael Phelps, said, “Leon has several things that make him great. He has speed and he has endurance. He kind of has the whole package you want and, so far, he has done well under pressure, which is the other part of the equation. He has it all, really.”

Marchand competed in four events in Tokyo, where his best finish was sixth in the 400-meter individual medley (IM). He has since emerged as a star by winning the World Championships in 2023. He said, “This is like a game-changer. Now I can actually beat these guys pretty soon. I know I can train better. I know I can improve this.”