Léon Marchand: The rising star who lights up the Olympic pools

I'm not going to lie to you, when I saw Léon Marchand dive into the Olympic pool that night, I held my breath. This kid from Toulouse, barely 22 years old, had just accomplished the unthinkable: two individual gold medals in a single day. Unheard of in the history of Olympic swimming!

Imagine this: First, he crushes the competition in the 200m butterfly. Then, a few hours later, there he is, back on the starting block for the 200m breaststroke. His muscles still sore from his first performance, he throws himself into the water as if nothing had happened. And what do you think happens? He wins gold, once again!

Three gold medals in his pocket, and the Games are not even over. Léon Marchand is not just participating in these Olympics, he is redefining them.

But make no mistake, this "miracle" did not fall from the sky. Léon has been immersed in swimming since birth. Son of Xavier Marchand, world medalist, and Céline Bonnet, former French record holder, chlorine practically runs through his veins.

I had the chance to follow his career since his debut with the TOEC Dolphins in Toulouse. Even back then, this kid had something special. Fluidity in the water, impeccable technique, and above all, unfailing determination.

2019 marked his spectacular entry onto the national scene: French champion in the 200m butterfly at just 17 years old. Then came 2020, a pivotal year in which he won two national titles. But Léon was not satisfied with the French pools. He was hungry for victories, thirsty for records.

That's where Bob Bowman, the man behind the legend Michael Phelps, comes in. When I heard that Leon was going to train with him in Arizona, I knew we were in for something special. And I wasn't disappointed.

The 2022 World Championships in Budapest? Two gold medals. Fukuoka 2023? Three gold medals and the title of best male swimmer. But the highlight of the show was this 400m medley world record. 4:02.50. Let me tell you, when I saw that time, I got chills.

What strikes me about Leon is his humility in the face of his achievements. After smashing Phelps' record, he simply says, "That was crazy, one of the hardest things I've ever done." This ability to push one's limits while remaining grounded in reality is the mark of great champions.

So yes, Léon Marchand is rewriting the history of swimming. But make no mistake, this is just the beginning. At 22, with three Olympic gold medals already around his neck, he still has many good years ahead of him.

I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see where this Toulouse phenomenon will take us. One thing is for sure: French swimming has not finished shining, and Léon Marchand is its shining torchbearer.