When Léon Marchand made history as France’s most accomplished swimmer this past week, claiming two gold medals in an extraordinary feat within just two hours on Wednesday night, the country was swept into a frenzy known as “Marchand mania.”
Sports commentators celebrated the 22-year-old, who is affectionately referred to as “half man, half dolphin” due to his powerful underwater thrusts, noting that he had “revived national pride.”
The excitement was palpable beyond the 17,000 cheering fans in the swimming venue – coaches noted they had never witnessed such a spectacle. Thunderous applause and screams erupted from the streets of cities like Paris and Toulouse, even on public transport. More amusingly for France, various Olympic events – including table tennis, tennis, and a fencing final – had to momentarily pause as the roaring cheers for Marchand, fueled by spectators following updates on their phones, became overwhelming.
On Friday night, Marchand enhanced his impressive medal collection to four with a victory in the men’s 200m individual medley. He is admired not only for his technique in the water but also for his compelling personal journey. Hailing from the southwestern city of Toulouse, he comes from a lineage of Olympic swimmers – his mother, father, and uncle – who initially discouraged him from pursuing the sport due to its pressure.
Despite this, Marchand, a computer science student with a passion for video games and Japanese manga, hopes to obtain a pilot’s license as a hobby. He has described himself as reserved and not inherently comfortable in the spotlight. He openly addresses the emotional strains of elite sports, emphasizing that mental health is as vital as skill in competitive swimming. He has discussed the importance of relaxation techniques before races and the necessity to enjoy the experience: “You have to take pleasure in it,” he told Brut Media two years ago, highlighting that this joy can be elusive amid the pre-race tension.
At 19, Marchand relocated to the U.S. to study computer science at Arizona State University and train with Bob Bowman, the coach who was instrumental in Michael Phelps’ remarkable career – the most decorated Olympic swimmer with 28 medals, including 23 golds.
Bowman, however, does not draw parallels between Marchand and Phelps; he sees them as distinct athletes. He had never permitted Phelps to attempt winning two golds in a two-hour span and counseled Marchand against competing in two major events on the same night, but Marchand remained resolute. “He’s polite, calm, has great humility, is an excellent student, and possesses a remarkable work ethic,” Bowman shared with L’Équipe. “What I like about him is his sincere love for swimming,” he added, noting Marchand’s strong technical training background along with his natural talent.
Marchand’s mother, Céline Bonnet, who is currently a flight attendant, was a professional swimmer who began shattering French records at age 15 and competed in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. His father, Xavier Marchand, now a television journalist for French public broadcasters, participated in two Olympic Games. “My parents never pressured me,” Marchand recalled, acknowledging their initial attempts to dissuade him due to the sacrifices involved. As a young child, he found the water cold while waiting on the pool’s edge after triumphing. He briefly explored judo and rugby but always gravitated back to swimming. His parents encouraged him to focus on the individual medley, following their traditions, as they believed mastering various strokes was more engaging.
As a teenager, Marchand practiced with the Dolphins team at the TOEC club in Toulouse, swimming in a pool named after Alfred Nakache, who represented France at the 1936 Olympics before enduring deportation to Auschwitz, where his wife and two-year-old daughter perished. Nakache survived and competed again at the 1948 Games. A documentary captured Marchand as a young aspiring swimmer in Toulouse, diligently studying for his baccalaureate, which he achieved with commendable marks, stating he needed an academic safety net in case swimming didn’t pan out.
Marchand candidly discussed the high pressure of seeking constant success during his performance in French competitions, noting that the anxiety of possible failure nearly became overwhelming. Ironically, the Covid lockdown afforded him time with his family, allowing him to live what he termed “like a normal human being,” featuring occasional late mornings and gaming sessions with his younger brother.
Through his collaboration with Thomas Sammut, who specializes in the mental coaching of elite athletes, Marchand managed to shift his mindset before competing in the Tokyo Olympics at the age of 19. “I now ask myself what would happen if I fail,” Marchand recounted to Brut. “And I understand that nothing will change: my family will continue to support me regardless. So I no longer fear failure. I’m embracing it.” He praised Sammut, commenting, “Athletes used to shy away from seeking help in these areas, fearing it might indicate a weakness, but I never hesitated. I wanted to improve in my sport while ensuring I maintained my joy in life.”
The overwhelming support from French crowds could have intensified the pressure. During his initial breaststroke race, spectators would intermittently fall silent, then erupt in cheers with each breath he took. However, Marchand now thrives on this atmosphere. Bowman, familiar with the raucous home audiences, imparted a piece of advice he received from Australian Ian Thorpe: perceive it not as pressure, but as encouragement.
Post his double gold success, Marchand expressed immense gratitude for the French support: “It’s astonishing because the public is so engaged, and I’ve shared extraordinary moments with them,” he stated.
Five other French Olympic stars
Victor Wembanyama, basketball
The 20-year-old basketball sensation, referred to as “Wemby” in France, stands tall at 2.24m (7ft 4in). He is a pivotal player for the men’s basketball team, drawing enthusiastic crowds. Born near Paris to competitive athlete parents, Wembanyama transitioned to the NBA last year, where he garnered attention as the most promising young player since LeBron James entered the league nearly 20 years prior. Following his debut with the San Antonio Spurs, he was unanimously named NBA Rookie of the Year for 2024, marking him as the first French player to earn the accolade.
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Cyréna Samba-Mayela, 100m hurdles
The 23-year-old sprinter, the reigning European champion in the 100m hurdles, stands as France’s brightest hope in athletics. Born in Champigny-sur-Marne, east of Paris, she explored various sports from figure skating to judo before committing to athletics at the age of 15. Although Samba-Mayela trained in the U.S., her preparations were affected this year after contracting Covid. Her Irish coach, John Coghlan, praised her “physical and mental resilience, technique, and passion for the sport,” stating at the Games’ outset: “She has the potential to be one of the best in history.”
Antoine Dupont, rugby sevens
The 27-year-old scrum-half from Toulouse transitioned to rugby sevens for the Olympics. A cornerstone of France’s gold medal win, he showcased his skills in the final, celebrated by jubilant fans in the Paris fanzone. “Competing for an Olympic gold medal is immensely motivating,” he remarked upon his shift into the fast-paced sport.
Félix Lebrun, table tennis
Seventeen-year-old Félix Lebrun from Montpellier has become a household name in France, generating immense excitement in table tennis alongside his brother Alexis, 20, leading to a surge in membership for French table tennis clubs. They enjoy a significant following in China and attracted large crowds during the men’s singles events in Paris, where Félix aims for a bronze medal. They are both set to participate in the upcoming men’s team competitions.
Manon Apithy-Brunet, fencing
The 28-year-old fencer from Lyon claimed gold in women’s sabre fencing after a dramatic final against her teammate Sara Balzer, marking the first all-French fencing final at the Olympics in almost three decades. More than 8.6 million viewers tuned in to watch the thrilling conclusion on the French public broadcaster France 2. Apithy-Brunet became the first French woman fencer to win an Olympic gold and is optimistic about adding another medal with the women’s team competing this weekend. Following the Rio 2016 Olympics, she joined the French gendarmerie through its program for elite athletes.
