Leon Marchand could make Olympic history after Michael Phelps’ plea – but must race twice in two hours for gold

France’s Leon Marchand has set a new Olympic record after taking gold in the 200m breaststroke.

The 22-year-old already took gold in the 400m individual medley and then faced a 200m breaststroke and 200m butterfly in the same session on Wednesday.

5

But a brutal schedule was no bother for the Frenchman, with him sealing the win in both, just two hours apart.

In the breaststroke, cheered on by a raucous French crowd, he broke the Olympic record of 2:05:85 with a time of 1:00:59.

He also set the Olympic record in the butterfly in 1:51:21, beating Hungary’s world record holder and reigning champion Kristof Milak’s 1:51.25 from Tokyo 2020.

His amazing accomplishment makes him the first person to win 200m butterfly and breaststroke at the same games.

Not even Michael Phelps could achieve such a masterstroke among his 28 Olympic medals – 23 of them gold.

Marchand knows he has the backing of the American despite eclipsing Phelps’ Olympic record set in Beijing in 2008.

The Frenchman is coached in the United States by Phelps’ former mentor Bob Bowman.

Marchand sent a letter to Bowman prior to the Tokyo Olympics asking for his support in preparation for Paris and Phelps has been an interested spectator ever since.

Furthermore, the American admits to seeing similarities between himself and Marchand.

“We both work very hard and love pushing the boundaries of the sport,” Phelps said.

5

5

5

The pair first met at the 2023 World Aquatics Championship in Fukuoka, Japan.

“I had just finished the 400m preliminaries, and Michael was in the stands,” Marchand told Esquire. “He called me over and said, ‘Go for it tonight.’ It was surreal to meet a legend and get his encouragement right before the final.”

Phelps had earmarked Marchand and kept tabs on his progress thanks to the connection with Bowman.

Marchand went on to shatter Phelps’ 20-year world record in the 400m individual medley that day.

“I knew Leon was going to break my record, it was just a matter of time,” said the decorated Olympian.

“I was trying to hold on to it for 20 years, and I did. But seeing Leon turn with 100 metres to go, a body length ahead of the record, I knew it was happening.”

Records are there to be broken and Phelps encouraged Marchand to make history by further enhancing his speed.

Working alongside Bowman has undoubtedly taken Marchand to the next level, something he puts down to the hard work and dedication shown throughout the team.

talkSPORT brings you live coverage of the Paris Olympics this summer, with Sir Steve Redgrave and Dame Kelly Holmes among our legendary line-up of pundits. Listen to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, via the app, or through your smart speaker. And follow our live blog for all the latest news.