The 400-meter individual medley finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics were highly anticipated, with each qualifier eager to showcase their best performance. As soon as the race began, Leon Marchand of France took the lead, demonstrating his determination to set a new world record.
Despite the race’s length, Marchand’s competitors waited in vain for him to tire. After just a few laps, it became clear that the Frenchman was in a class of his own.
While Marchand fell short of the world record, he clinched the gold medal with an impressive time of 4:02.95, a staggering 5.67 seconds ahead of Japan’s Tomoyuki Matsushita. American fans had reason to celebrate as well, with Carson Foster securing the bronze medal with 4:08.66.
Carson Foster’s involvement in the 400-meter freestyle swim made it one of the most anticipated events among American fans. Even though the swimmer managed to clinch the bronze medal, making his country proud, Marchand’s powerful performance has drawn comparisons with the great Michael Phelps, with whom the Frenchman shares a unique connection.
Bob Bowman shaping Marchand as the next swimming GOAT
Phelps was trained by the renowned coach Bob Bowman, who has also been mentoring Leon Marchand for several years. Many fans see Marchand as swimming’s potential heir to Phelps. The Frenchman has already made his mark in NCAA Championships and now in the Olympic Games.
Although Marchand didn’t medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, his development under Bowman’s guidance has been remarkable. With this gold medal performance, expectations for Marchand’s future achievements have soared even higher.
