Léon Marchand Focuses on Individual Medley Events at 2025 World Championships

Léon Marchand, the celebrated French swimmer and quadruple Olympic champion, has decided to withdraw from the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke events at the upcoming World Swimming Championships in Singapore. Instead, he will concentrate exclusively on the 200m and 400m individual medley events. This strategic decision is aimed at maximizing his performance, particularly in the 200m individual medley, which Marchand has never competed in without other events on the same day.

His coach, Nicolas Castel, underscored the rationale for this focus, noting the importance of testing the 200m medley under optimal conditions. Marchand is also motivated to challenge Ryan Lochte's world record of 1:54.00 in the 200m individual medley, which has stood since 2011. Marchand's participation in the heats for the 200m individual medley will commence on July 30, followed by the finals potentially taking place on July 31.

This targeted approach comes off the back of the Olympic year, where reducing the number of races might serve to enhance Marchand's performance. As he prepares for this significant competition, all eyes will be on his efforts to further his legacy in the swimming world.