The All-Time Rankings of Leon Marchand; French Star Continues to Define Versatility
We didn’t get to see a full showcase of Leon Marchand’s talent this summer. Due to an adductor injury suffered at the French Elite Championships, and a subsequent reaggravation, the French star opted to bypass the individual medley events at the European Championships in Paris. It was a prudent decision, one made out of caution and with the bigger picture in mind (see: 2028 Olympic Games).
Yet, even with a reduced schedule, and the introduction of a new event to his program, Marchand still found a way to mesmerize at his continent’s summer soiree. Individually, he claimed European titles in the 200-meter butterfly and 400 freestyle, and his effort on the front of the French 800 freestyle relay was critical to a silver-medal showing. The 200 fly saw Marchand, the No. 2 performer in history, post the second-fastest time (1:51.72) of his career. In the 400 freestyle, which Marchand contested for the first time in a major meet, he landed gold in a national record of 3:43.14.
While Marchand’s solo events were late in the meet schedule, he provided an immediate statement that he was in peak form. On the opening night of finals, the 24-year-old fired a 1:43.76 leadoff for France in the 800 freestyle relay. That time made Marchand one of only eight men in history to break the 1:44 barrier. Oh, and for an exclamation point, Marchand split 49.64 on the butterfly leg of France’s bronze-medal 400 medley relay.
Looking ahead, Marchand has expressed a desire to race at December’s World Short Course Championships in Beijing, where several world records will be within his grasp. Beyond that event, next year’s World Championships in Budapest will serve as a precursor to the Big One, the 2028 Olympic Games at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
As Marchand enters the back half of the Quad, here is a look at his all-time event rankings:
- 200 Freestyle: 1:43.76 (Sixth)
- 400 Freestyle: 3:43.14 (19th)
- 100 Breaststroke: 59.06 (48th)
- 200 Breaststroke: 2:05.85 (Second)
- 100 Butterfly: 51.20 (71st)
- 200 Butterfly: 1:51.21 (Second)
- 200 Medley: 1:52.69 (First)
- 400 Medley: 4:02.50 (First)