Léon Marchand is now forever etched in the history of French sports. With a time of 4′02″95 on Sunday, July 28, in the 400-meter individual medley at the Paris Olympic Games, he set a new Olympic record, beating Michael Phelps‘s record from the Beijing Games in 2008. It is the first Olympic gold medal of his career… For now.
The 22-year-old Frenchman, carrying the hopes of his compatriots, lived up to these expectations. The international press speaks of a "prodigy" and highlights how he "crushed his competitors." Léon Marchand also "won the heart of France."
La Défense Arena vibrated with an electric atmosphere, marked by the enthusiasm of the supporters. A palpable energy was felt: "Voices joining in a deafening and rhythmic chant ‘Allez! Allez!’ at each appearance of Léon Marchand."
After his victory, Marchand confided: "I had goosebumps on the podium: I felt very proud to be myself and also to be French." Alongside Marchand, the Japanese Tomoyuki Matsushita won silver and the American Carson Foster, bronze.
President Emmanuel Macron called Léon Marchand to congratulate him. The young swimmer does not intend to stop there: he still has three individual races to compete in, with as many chances for medals. According to the press, this first gold medal could be the first of a long series.
Finally, Lady Gaga attended this triumphant victory alongside Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who was very admiring.