2024-10-31 15:42:00
He is the second man, and the first European, to go under 50 seconds in the 100m medley. Léon Marchand continued his establishment in the firmament of his sport, Thursday October 31, by erasing the European record – held by the Russian Vladimir Morozov – in the race, in Singapore. With a time of 49.92 seconds, the Toulouse native won ahead of Swiss swimmer Noè Ponti and Italian Thomas Ceccon. Only the American Caeleb Dressel (49 s 28) swam faster over the distance.
The swimmer, who had skipped the 400m freestyle, surpassed himself in butterfly and backstroke. He wore the cap of the French Olympic Games team flocked with the name of Florent Manaudou, a nod to his elder and captain, who confided that he had begun to reflect on his retirement on a daily basis. The Team the day before. “ I have the impression of having passed the torch to Léon who is taking it well. I’m glad to be a little behind », recognized the six-time Olympic medalist.
Erasing the records with regularity, Léon Marchand improves by one second the time which had already allowed him to update the French record (50 s 65) during the first stage of this Short Course World Cup, on October 18 in Shanghai (China). Imperial, the 22-year-old Frenchman won the three medley titles (100, 200 and 400 m) of the competition before repeating the performance in Incheon (South Korea), second stage of the competition.
A big step towards victory in the general classification
The French swimmer will dive back on Friday for the 100m freestyle heats then the 200m medley where he is the big favorite, as well as for the 400m medley where he will line up on Saturday November 2, the last day of the competition. In Singapore, a new hat-trick in the medley (100, 200 and 400 m) awaits him, which would ensure victory in the general classification of the three stages of this short course World Cup (Shanghai, Incheon, Singapore).
This victory, far from being the main objective of the quadruple Olympic champion of Paris 2024, would bode well before the world championships in the 25m pool, in Budapest, from December 10 to 15. The stakes will be completely different for the one who concedes « s’amuser » during this Asian tour, described as a period of « transition » returning from a long post-Olympic break.
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### Interview with Léon Marchand: Breaking Records and Passing the Torch
**Editor**: Léon, congratulations on your amazing performance in Singapore where you broke the European record in the 100m medley! How does it feel to have achieved this milestone?
**Léon Marchand**: Thank you! It feels incredible to finally go under 50 seconds and break the European record. I’ve been working hard towards this, and to see my efforts pay off is just amazing. It’s a special moment not just for me, but for my team as well.
**Editor**: Your time of 49.92 seconds was very impressive. Can you tell us more about your strategy for the race, particularly in the butterfly and backstroke segments where you excelled?
**Léon Marchand**: Absolutely. I focused on maintaining a strong and steady rhythm throughout the race. The goal was to push my limits without losing form, especially in butterfly and backstroke, which are my strengths. The training and adjustments I’ve made recently really came together during this race.
**Editor**: You paid tribute to Florent Manaudou by wearing a cap with his name. What does he mean to you as a rising star in French swimming?
**Léon Marchand**: Florent is not just a phenomenal athlete; he has been an inspiration to many, including me. Wearing his cap was a nod to his legacy. I feel honored to be part of a team that he has led, and it’s a privilege to be seen as someone who can carry that torch forward.
**Editor**: Speaking of carrying the torch, it seems like Florent is hinting at retirement. How does it feel knowing you might be the future face of French swimming?
**Léon Marchand**: It’s a bit surreal. I have great respect for what Florent has achieved. If I can step up and continue the legacy of excellence in French swimming, I will do my best. There’s pressure that comes with it, but it also motivates me to keep improving.
**Editor**: You’ve been on a record-breaking spree recently, including your performance in Shanghai. What’s next for you in terms of goals and competitions?
**Léon Marchand**: I aim to maintain this momentum. Competing in the Short Course World Cup has motivated me to push for even better performances. My next focus will be on the upcoming stages of the competition and, of course, the Olympics in Paris next year. I want to keep setting the bar high!
**Editor**: Thank you so much for your time, Léon. We look forward to seeing what you achieve next!
**Léon Marchand**: Thank you! I appreciate your support!
