In a stunning display of talent and determination, Léon Marchand shattered the 200m individual medley short-course world record at the 2025 World Championships in Singapore, clocking an astonishing 1:52.69 on July 30, 2025. This performance eclipsed Ryan Lochte’s previous record of 1:54.00, set in 2011, by a remarkable 1.31 seconds, solidifying Marchand’s status as a global swimming icon. The 23-year-old Frenchman, already dubbed the “new king of the blue track,” has fans buzzing with excitement, predicting that he will dominate the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics with unprecedented peak performance. Marchand’s achievement in Singapore marks another milestone in his audacious pursuit of Michael Phelps’ legendary records, following his 2023 world record in the 400m individual medley (4:02.50), which dethroned Phelps’ long-standing mark.

Marchand’s journey to this historic moment began in Toulouse, France, where he grew up in a family of swimmers. Both parents, Xavier Marchand and Céline Bonnet, were Olympians, instilling a deep love for the sport. Under the guidance of coach Bob Bowman, Phelps’ former mentor, Marchand has transformed from a promising talent into a global powerhouse. His Singapore performance showcased his versatility, blending speed, technique, and endurance across butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. Speaking to World Aquatics, Marchand expressed disbelief: “Swimming a 1:52 in the 200m medley is just crazy. I couldn’t believe it!” His humility, paired with relentless drive, has endeared him to fans worldwide, who see echoes of Phelps in his work ethic and competitive spirit

The Singapore record wasn’t just a personal triumph; it sparked a frenzy among fans on platforms like X, where posts hailed him as “Phelps’ heir” and speculated about his potential to sweep the 2028 Olympics in events like the 200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, and both medley races. Marchand’s ability to compete across multiple strokes sets him apart, much like Phelps, and his recent performances—such as his four gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympics—have only fueled expectations. His respectful gesture of wearing Caeleb Dressel’s swim cap at the 2024 Swimming World Cup in Shanghai further cemented his reputation as a gracious competitor, bridging generations of swimming greatness.

As Marchand trains in Austin, Texas, under Bowman’s watchful eye, fans are eager to see how far he can push the boundaries of the sport. His technical improvements, particularly in the opening 100m of medley events, have turned a former weakness into a strength, making him a formidable force. While Marchand remains focused on enjoying the process rather than chasing records, his trajectory suggests more milestones will fall. With the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, the swimming world watches in anticipation, convinced that Marchand’s blend of talent, humility, and ambition will redefine what’s possible in the pool, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.