French swimmer Léon Marchand has taken the world by storm by winning four Olympic gold medals in 4-5 days at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Marchand achieved this feat in a brilliant fashion as French President Emmanuel Macron was in attendance at the La Defense Arena on Friday, August 2, 2024, to cheer Marchand on in the men’s 200m individual medley.

The French Olympic star recorded a historic second-fastest time after finishing as the winner in 1 minute, 54.06 seconds. He finished ahead of Britain’s Duncan Scott (silver) and Chinese swimmer Wang Shun (bronze).

“You never forget a moment like that,” an excited Marchand said after the final.

“It was incredible; it was magical. I’m very good at energy management; I can channel my energy.

“Winning 4 medals in 4-5 days, I don’t know what to say. Last night I was really tired, and now I’m doing my best; it was a great race. I’m so happy.”
Marchand, 22, went into the final as favourite after winning gold in the 200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, and the 400m individual medley.

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A shaky start saw China’s Wang lead the opening butterfly leg, but the Frenchman regained his winning momentum in the backstroke. He would go on to extend his lead with a strong breaststroke 50 and hold on to his advantage in the final as President Macron and the rest of the crowd cheered him on.

It remains to be seen if the 22-year-old will repeat the feat of the likes of American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won 8 gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.