Marchand's historic Olympic show is shaking Paris
France's swimming star Leon Marchand concludes his Olympic Games with a historic bang. The 22-year-old wins the 200m individual medley final in front of 17,000 enthusiastic spectators, becoming the first Frenchman to win four gold medals at the same Olympic Games.
The arena erupted, Leon Marchand raised four fingers in triumph: The French swimming star is unstoppable at the Olympic Games. Cheered on by over 10,000 enthusiastic fans at the La Défense Arena, the 22-year-old won his fourth gold medal at the Paris Summer Games.
Marchand comfortably beat Britain's Duncan Scott and China's Wang Shun in the 200m individual medley, missing the world record by just six hundredths of a second. French President Emmanuel Macron watched the race from the escalating tribune. The historic feat was heard throughout Paris and beyond.
Marchand's status in his home country is evident not only in the high-profile attendance or the numerous fans singing his praises and carrying his posters into the arena, but also in the numerous French newspapers that featured him on their front pages the following day. From "Le Monde" to "Le Figaro" and "Libération", Marchand was the talk of the town.
The son of former elite swimmers, Marchand had previously won gold in the 400m individual medley, 200m butterfly, and 200m breaststroke at these Games. As the first athlete, he crowned himself Olympic champion in breaststroke and butterfly swimming. One more triumph remains for Marchand to tie with biathlete Martin Fourcade as France's most decorated Olympian.
"It's incredible, it was truly magical," Marchand said, "The whole stadium is behind me, and I'm using it." Just before his gold race, a compatriot had fired up the crowd. Florent Manaudou's bronze medal in the 50m freestyle was celebrated like an Olympic victory. Gold on the shortest Olympic distance went to Australia's Cameron McEvoy, ahead of Britain's Benjamin Proud.
Leon Marchand's winning streak in swimming continued at the Olympic Games, securing a victory in the 200m individual medley. After his triumph, Marchand expressed his gratitude for the support of the 10,000 spectators.
To maintain his exceptional form in swimming, Marchand devotes ample time to training and preparation, ensuring his swimsuit is always ready for the next big competition.
