French swimmer Leon Marchand has secured his fourth gold medal at the Paris Olympics, achieving this milestone in the 200m Individual Medley (IM) event. Just a week ago, Marchand had no Olympic medals, but he now stands among the most decorated French swimmers in history.
Marchand’s victory in the 200m IM places him in a four-way tie for the most gold medals won by any French Summer Olympian, alongside judo star Teddy Riner, who also clinched his fourth gold medal today and has the opportunity to earn a fifth tomorrow.
Marchand’s achievement is historic, making him the first swimmer to sweep both IM events since Michael Phelps did so in 2004 and 2008. Marchand and Phelps share a coach, Bob Bowman. He is also only the fourth swimmer ever to win four individual races in a single Olympic Games, joining the ranks of Mark Spitz (1972), Kristin Otto (1988), and Phelps (2004, 2008). Phelps holds the record for winning five individual races in one Games, achieved in 2008.
Marchand’s latest triumph came in a time of 1:54.06, setting another Olympic record. The crowd’s excitement was so intense that it even delayed track events six miles away at the Stade de France. Despite his exhaustion, Marchand managed a triumphant, albeit weary, celebration.
The silver medalist in the 200m IM, Great Britain’s Duncan Scott, finished with a time of 1:55.31, his eighth Olympic medal. Scott praised Marchand’s performance, acknowledging his dominance in multiple swimming disciplines and the electrifying atmosphere of the event.
Scott, who also secured a silver in Tokyo, expressed mixed feelings about his result but found solace in competing against one of the sport’s greats. Meanwhile, China’s Wang Shun, who finished third, was initially ahead of Marchand after the butterfly leg but was overtaken by Marchand’s powerful breaststroke.
Marchand’s gold in the 200m IM holds special significance for him, as his parents both competed in the event at past Olympics. His mother, Céline, swam the 200m IM in 1992, while his father, Xavier, competed in 1996 and 2000.
In a memorable Olympic night for French swimming, Florent Manaudou also earned a bronze in the 50m freestyle, further cementing his legacy as the most beloved swimmer in France. Manaudou, 33, who previously won gold in London and silver in Rio, made a triumphant return to the sport after a hiatus.
Overall, the Paris Olympics have seen French swimming reach new heights, reminiscent of the golden era of swimming at the 2008 Beijing Games, when Michael Phelps set his record. Marchand’s achievements, along with Manaudou’s return, have solidified France’s prominence in the sport.
Key Points:
- Leon Marchand’s Achievement:
- French swimmer Leon Marchand has won his fourth gold medal at the Paris Olympics in the 200m Individual Medley (IM), becoming one of the most decorated French swimmers.
- Historic Sweep:
- Marchand is the first swimmer to win both IM events (200m and 400m) since Michael Phelps in 2004 and 2008. He is also the fourth swimmer to win four individual races in a single Games.
- Record Time:
- Marchand set a new Olympic record in the 200m IM with a time of 1:54.06, leading to widespread celebrations.
- Medal Tie:
- Marchand is now tied for the most gold medals won by a French Summer Olympian, alongside judo champion Teddy Riner, who won his fourth gold medal today.
- Duncan Scott’s Silver:
- Great Britain’s Duncan Scott won silver in the 200m IM with a time of 1:55.31, his eighth Olympic medal. He praised Marchand’s performance.
- Wang Shun’s Bronze:
- China’s Wang Shun finished third in the 200m IM. He was briefly ahead of Marchand but was overtaken during the breaststroke leg.
- Florent Manaudou’s Medal:
- French swimmer Florent Manaudou won bronze in the 50m freestyle, adding to his previous Olympic medals. He is celebrated for his beloved status in France.
- Overall Impact:
- Marchand’s and Manaudou’s performances have significantly boosted France’s standing in swimming, echoing the success of swimming at the 2008 Beijing Games.
