NANTERRE, France — French sensation Léon Marchand continued his spectacular run at the Paris Olympics by making history as the first swimmer to win both the 200-meter butterfly and the 200-meter breaststroke at the same Games on the same night.
Marchand secured his first gold medal of the day in the 200-meter butterfly, setting an Olympic record with a time of 1:51.21 in a remarkable come-from-behind victory over Hungary’s Kristóf Milák, who finished second with a time of 1:51.75.
UNREAL. LEON MARCHAND WITH AN INCREDIBLE COMEBACK TO IGNITE THE CROWD IN PARIS. 🇫🇷#ParisOlympics | 📺 NBC & Peacock pic.twitter.com/oErY1zMUvu
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2024
Just a couple of hours later, Marchand set another Olympic record with a time of 2:05.85 in the 200-meter breaststroke, solidifying his position in the history books with arguably the greatest one-night swimming performance in Olympic history.
“I knew it was possible for me to finish the races, but maybe not to win them,” Marchand shared. “I never knew if I could win both.”
Earlier in the week, Marchand claimed a gold medal in the 400-meter individual medley, making him three-for-three in gold medals with one event left in his program.
He joins an elite group as the fourth male swimmer in Olympic history to win more than two individual gold medals at the same Games.
“Marchand’s march to greatness CONTINUES!” 🇫🇷
Leon Marchand just can’t be stopped in his home country. He wins gold in the men’s 200m breaststroke. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/DEAEFeIxG4
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) July 31, 2024
The 22-year-old Marchand, competing at his home Olympics, has embraced the pressure and hopes of his fellow countrymen and women, delivering exceptional performances in each swim.
Marchand’s coach, Bob Bowman, expressed confidence in his ability to complete the challenging double of swimming the 200 fly and the 200-meter breaststroke in a short span of two hours.
Marchand’s diligent preparation has paid off, with his performances earning him admiration from the crowd and setting records in Olympic history.
Marchand has been unstoppable in his home Games, showcasing his talent and resilience to achieve greatness.
STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING AND LISTEN. 🔉
Leon Marchand had the Paris fans in an absolute frenzy during his comeback win. #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/3a5tdktQ0a
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) July 31, 2024
With his eyes set on the men’s 200-meter individual medley, Marchand continues to inspire his fans with his determination and skill.
For more on swimming at the Olympics, follow The Athletic‘s live blog.
Required reading
(Photo: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images)