Léon Marchand Shines in 400 IM Victory and Captivates France

NANTERRE, France — French swimmer Léon Marchand thrilled a hometown crowd on Sunday, setting an Olympic record in the 400-meter individual medley. Following his lead, American Torri Huske and Italian Nicolo Martinenghi also secured their first gold medals.

Paris La Défense Arena was packed with spectators adorned in blue, white, and red, eager to witness a new national champion. Marchand delivered with a stellar performance.

Clocking in at 4:02.95, Marchand broke the Olympic record previously held by swimming legend Michael Phelps, just missing the world record he himself set.

“It’s a dream for all of us,” Marchand told NBC, his gold medal gleaming. “I got the opportunity to achieve it today. It’s incredible. Words can’t describe it.”

Moments before the race, fans spontaneously sang “La Marseillaise” and chanted “Léon, Léon, Léon!” The atmosphere was electric as the race began. As Marchand surged ahead in the breaststroke, the crowd’s cheers grew louder, syncing with each breath he took.

“The breaststroke was surreal, hearing the entire stadium cheer. It was an amazing experience,” Marchand said, marking France's first swimming gold since 2012.

Japan’s Tomoyuki Matsushita earned silver, while Cincinnati native Carson Foster took bronze.

At 22, Marchand, trained by Phelps’ coach Bob Bowman at Arizona State, isn’t finished. He will also compete in the 200 IM, 200 butterfly, and 200 breaststroke later in these Games.

Later, Huske from Arlington, Virginia, claimed victory in the women’s 100-meter butterfly, redeeming her near-podium finish from three years ago.

“Just missing the podium last time by a hundredth of a second was tough, so I’m incredibly grateful to be here and share this moment with Gretchen,” Huske said. “The journey has been long, but I’ve had immense support.”

Huske and fellow American Gretchen Walsh finished 1-2, with China’s Zhang Yufei taking bronze.

“I’m in shock,” Huske said. “I can’t process it; I feel like crying and smiling at the same time. It’s surreal.”

Before “The Star-Spangled Banner” played, Huske invited Walsh to join her atop the podium. They celebrated together, raising their hands in triumph.

Walsh, the world and Olympic record holder, felt the pressure but was thrilled with their shared success.

“Seeing us up there together was amazing. I’m proud of Torri and myself,” she said. “It was a moment America needed and wanted.”

In the men’s 100 breaststroke, American Nic Fink and Britain’s Adam Peaty tied for silver, while Martinenghi secured gold.

Fink, who finished fifth in the 200 breaststroke in Tokyo, was finally able to don his podium sweatsuit.

"Not being able to wear my podium sweats in Tokyo was a huge disappointment,” he said. “Winning silver here feels so much better.”

Balancing a full-time job with Olympic training, Fink, who holds a master’s in electrical and computer engineering from Georgia Tech, feels his routine keeps him grounded.

At 31, Fink hasn’t ruled out competing in Los Angeles in 2028.

"I could have ended my career several times, but it’s only improved,” Fink said. “A home Olympics would be incredible. We’ll see what the future holds."

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