In a spectacular display of skill and endurance, French swimmer Léon Marchand thrilled the home crowd by winning the 400m individual medley gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Marchand not only clinched his first Olympic gold medal but also shattered Michael Phelps’ longstanding Olympic record with a time of 4:02.95, solidifying his status as a swimming legend in the making.
A Historic Victory
Marchand’s victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The 22-year-old swimmer had already made a name for himself by setting the world record in the 400m individual medley and winning the World Championships in this event in 2022 and 2023. However, the Olympic gold was the missing piece in his illustrious career.
GÉANT Léon Marchand !
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 28, 2024
Bravo pour ce 400 mètres mythique. Et ce n’est que le début d’un parcours olympique qui pulvérisera tous les records ! La France est fière. pic.twitter.com/MUGSquKo7y
As the crowd at La Défense Arena chanted his name and sang “La Marseillaise,” Marchand led the race from start to finish. His flawless technique and unwavering focus left no room for his competitors to catch up. Upon winning, Marchand sat on the lane divider, basking in the deafening cheers of the fans, his face lit up with a triumphant smile.
The Race Breakdown
Marchand’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He was ahead from the moment he surfaced from the water and maintained his lead throughout the race. His split times were impressive, staying under world-record pace until the final turn. Although he slightly slowed down towards the end, his final time of 4:02.95 still broke Phelps’ Olympic record, though it was just shy of his own world record of 4:02.50.
🏊♂️🇫🇷 Infographie du New York Times sur la course stratosphérique de Léon Marchand au 400m 4 nages. #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/rBdnHwB3CZ
— Mediavenir (@Mediavenir) July 28, 2024
“The atmosphere was amazing,” Marchand said after the race. “I had goosebumps before, and during the race too. On the breaststroke section, I could hear everyone just cheering for me. That was special, and winning today was really amazing for me.”
The Podium Finishers
While Marchand’s gold medal was the highlight, the battle for silver and bronze was equally thrilling. Japan’s Tomoyuki Matsushita narrowly edged out American Carson Foster by 0.04 seconds to claim the silver with a time of 4:08.62. Foster settled for bronze, finishing in 4:08.66. Great Britain’s Max Litchfield came in fourth, making it a highly competitive race.
A Momentous Occasion
Before the race even began, the anticipation in the arena was palpable. The chants of “Léon! Léon! Léon!” and the impromptu renditions of “La Marseillaise” created an electrifying atmosphere. As Marchand stepped onto the podium, he closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the national anthem alongside his compatriots. It was a scene of national pride and personal triumph.
Marchand’s coach, Bob Bowman, who also coached Michael Phelps, praised the swimmer’s performance. “I’m not sure there’s been anything like this atmosphere,” Bowman said. “It was amazing really to have that home-team advantage. It’s crazy. I feel like it was something that I haven’t really seen in a meet.”
The Aftermath
Following his victory, Marchand received a congratulatory phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron. “He said that he watched the race with all of his family, and they all screamed when I won,” Marchand recounted with a smile.
This gold medal is just the beginning for Marchand, who is set to compete in three more individual events at the Paris Olympics. “I was really proud of what I did tonight,” he said. “I’m going to enjoy it tonight, but then I’m going to relax because I have seven or eight days left.”
Other Notable Performances
In other events, Torri Huske of the U.S. triumphed over world-record holder Gretchen Walsh in the women’s 100 butterfly, securing a 1-2 finish for the United States. Huske touched in 55.59, just ahead of Walsh’s 55.63. Zhang Yufei of China, despite past controversies, claimed the bronze with a time of 56.21.
The men’s 100 breaststroke saw Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi dethroning the dominant Adam Peaty of Great Britain. Martinenghi finished with a time of 59.03, while Peaty and American Nic Fink tied for silver at 59.05. For Fink, a full-time engineer, this was his first Olympic medal, making the achievement even more remarkable.
A Night to Remember
La Défense Arena was a cauldron of excitement and national pride on this historic night. With over 15,000 fans in attendance, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The French flags waved proudly, and the chants of “Léon! Léon! Léon!” resonated throughout the stadium.
Marchand’s performance has set the stage for an unforgettable Paris Olympics. His journey from a promising young swimmer to an Olympic champion is a testament to his hard work, determination, and the support of his fans and coaches. As Marchand continues to compete in the coming days, the world will be watching to see what other remarkable feats he can achieve.
Léon Marchand’s victory in the 400m individual medley at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a defining moment in his career and a proud achievement for France. Breaking Michael Phelps’ Olympic record and winning gold in front of a home crowd is a dream come true for Marchand and a historic moment for the sport. As the Paris Olympics continue, all eyes will be on this young swimmer, who has already proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of swimming.