Léon Marchand won his second title of American university champion in the 200-yard breaststroke, beating the record for the discipline at the same time.
A little French swimmer is dazzling the Americans race after race! Léon Marchand continues to shine during the finals of the American university championship, in Minneapolis, and this Saturday, he added another gold medal and a record to his beautiful collection in this competition which takes place in a pool of 25 yards, or 22.86 meters. Already winner of two silver medals in the relay (4×50 yards breaststroke then 4×200 yards breaststroke) on Wednesday with his Arizona State University (where he went to train after the Tokyo Olympics in 2021), then of the gold medal in the 200 yard medley on Thursday, and that of the 400 yard medley on Friday, the 20-year-old Toulousain shone this time in the 200 yard breaststroke.
The computer science student retained his title won last year during the finals in Atlanta, improving the university record in 1’46″91. He crushed his opponents, Caspar Corbeau (Texas) and Max McHugh (Minnesota) finishing on the podium but respectively two seconds and 21 hundredths and three seconds behind!
Merchant in the history of his University
Thanks to this new triumph of its French swimmer, the University of Arizona State finished second in the NCAA championship, behind that of California, already titled last year. This is simply the best result in Sun Devils history. Léon Marchand wrote the history of his University this week, by equaling the record of titles won by a Sun Devil (two last year, three this year) by diver Joonha Pukka, and concluded his university season with 27 victories in 27 races.
“I felt a little sick so it was a little difficult, however recognized the French swimmer in the columns of the Parisian. I just tried to win and push a bit more. 1’46″9 is good. Breaking records in all races is crazy. I am really very, very happy to be in this team. We build something special and we progress every year. I am very excited for the future. “The future will now be long-term competitions, with in particular the Fukuoka Worlds in Japan this summer where he will be the leader of French swimming. It promises !