Bob Bowman, the coach at the University of Texas, has a new protégé named Léon Marchand. Marchand made headlines last summer when he broke Michael Phelps’ world record in the men’s 400-meter individual medley. Phelps himself congratulated Marchand and encouraged him to go even faster.
Marchand, often referred to as the “French Michael Phelps,” trains with Bowman, who famously coached Phelps throughout his career. Despite the comparisons, Marchand is focused on setting his own path and pushing his limits in the swimming world.
At the upcoming Paris Olympics, Marchand will be a heavy favorite in the 400 IM, an event he excels in. He will also compete in other events such as the 200-meter breaststroke, the 200-meter butterfly, and the 200-meter individual medley. His performance at the world championships last year, where he won gold in three events, has raised expectations for his performance in the home Olympics.
Marchand’s journey to Olympic glory began with an unexpected email to Bowman in 2020, expressing his interest in joining the Sun Devil swim program at Arizona State University. This led to a successful partnership that has resulted in 10 NCAA titles for Marchand.
Bowman has been instrumental in Marchand’s training, emphasizing the importance of routine and preparation. Marchand follows a warmup routine adapted from Phelps, which has proven effective in improving his performance. Bowman will continue to support Marchand at the Olympics as an assistant coach for the French national team.
As Marchand prepares for the Olympics, he remains focused on his training and mental preparedness. With Bowman by his side, Marchand aims to deliver a strong performance in front of his home crowd. Despite the comparisons to Phelps, Marchand is determined to carve his own legacy in the world of swimming.
The upcoming Paris Olympics present a significant opportunity for Marchand to showcase his talent and compete at the highest level. With the support of his coach and a strong work ethic, Marchand is poised to make a splash in the pool and leave a lasting impression on the world stage.