At just 22 years old, French swimmer Leon Marchand will have the chance to make history in more ways than one in Paris this summer. 

With four events on his schedule, Marchand could become the first-ever French swimmer to win three career Olympic medals and the first-ever French swimmer to win multiple individual Olympic medals. 

Learn more about the French sensation ahead of his potentially-groundbreaking Olympic run.

How old is Leon Marchand?

Leon Marchand is 22 years old. He was born May 17, 2002

How tall is Leon Marchand?

Leon Marchand is listed at 6-foot-2.

Where is Leon Marchand from?

Leon Marchand was born in Toulouse, France.

Who are Leon Marchand’s parents?

Leon Marchand comes from a long line of Olympic swimmers.

His father, Xavier, represented France in the 200m individual medley twice, finishing 8th in 1996 and 7th in 2000. His mother, Celine, competed in four events in 1992, her best finish being 14th in the 200m individual medley.

Xavier’s brother, Christophe, also competed in the Olympics, finishing 12th in the 1500m freestyle in 1988.

Does Leon Marchand have siblings?

Leon Marchand has one younger brother, Oscar.

Where did Leon Marchand go to college?

Leon Marchand swam at Arizona State University for three years. He then decided to follow former ASU coach Bob Bowman to the University of Texas before turning pro and foregoing his final year of collegiate eligibility in April.

What are some fun facts about Leon Marchand?

• When he was young, Leon Marchand quit swimming because the water was too cold. Two years later, he picked the sport back up again, but he says he never got used to the cool temperatures.
• Marchand’s Arizona State teammates affectionately called him “the Baguette”

When did Leon Marchand start swimming?

Leon Marchand began swimming at 7 years old.

How did Leon Marchand do in college?

In his three years at Arizona State University, Leon Marchand earned 10 NCAA titles (2 in 200m individual medley, 3 in 200m breast, 2 in 400m individual medley, 1 in 500m freestyle, 1 in the 400m medley relay, 1 in 400m freestyle relay) and 17 Pac-12 titles, as well as three Pac-12 Men’s Swimmer of the Year honors.

He also broke the individual NCAA records in the 200m individual medley (1:36.35), 200m breast (1:46.35) and 500m freestyle (4:02.31) and contributed to ASU’s NCAA records in the 400m freestyle relay (2:43.40) and 400m medley relay (2:57.32).

Marchand’s five NCAA wins in his junior season led the Sun Devils to their first ever national title.

What records does Leon Marchand hold?

On top of his several NCAA records, Leon Marchand also broke Michael Phelps’s last remaining individual world record, which he held for over 20 years, in the 400m individual medley at the 2023 World Aquatics Championship — a race which Phelps himself was commentating. Marchand’s new world record is 4:02.50. 

How many times has Leon Marchand been to the Olympics?

Leon Marchand made his Olympic debut in Tokyo, competing in the 400m individual medley, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley and 4x100m medley relay races. His best finish was sixth in the 400m individual medley. 

How many medals does Leon Marchand have?

While Leon Marchand has yet to earn any Olympic medals, he is a six-time world aquatics champion (5 gold, 1 silver).

Who is Leon Marchand’s coach?

Leon Marchand trains under Bob Bowman, who formerly coached at ASU and served as a longtime trainer to Michael Phelps. In April, Bowman was announced to be the head coach for France’s Olympic swimming team.

Has Leon Marchand qualified for the Paris Olympics?

Leon Marchand clinched his second Olympic berth at the French Olympic Swimming Trials in mid-June.

Which events will Leon Marchand enter in Paris?

Leon Marchand will compete in four events at the Paris Olympics: the 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley, 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke. Though the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke are scheduled to take place on the same night, Marchand is expected to compete in both.