Accra: French swimmer Léon Marchand has shattered the 200m medley world record during the semifinals, clocking a time of 54.00 and surpassing the previous record set by American Ryan Lochte in 2011. This remarkable achievement places Marchand in a prime position to potentially break his own record again in the upcoming finals on Thursday.
According to France24.com, Marchand expressed disbelief at his own accomplishment, stating, "Actually I can't believe it right now." Marchand, who secured four Olympic gold medals in Paris last year, is participating in a selective lineup in Singapore, focusing on the 200 and 400 medley events along with relays. He has strategically opted for a lighter schedule this year, which he describes as a transition period, to maintain his energy and pursue more world records.
Marchand is also set to compete in the 400 IM on Sunday, the concluding day of the world championships. He currently holds the world record for this event with a time of 4:02.50, achieved during the 2023 world championships in Fukuoka, Japan.