European Swimming Championships: 'I really had fun,' says happy 400m freestyle champion Léon Marchand

French swimmer Léon Marchand celebrated his first European Championship title in the 400m freestyle, an unusual distance for him. Despite strategic areas for improvement, Marchand expressed genuine enjoyment during the race, noting he felt he went out a bit fast but managed to maintain his legs for the final stretch.

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Yes, it was a new race for me, and I really had fun for once.

"I really had fun for once," Marchand said. "I tried to go out a bit fast, to see what it could do. But it was good because I still kept my legs on the last 100 meters. Fortunately, because they were coming back behind." He acknowledged that strategically, there are many things he can improve but was pleased to be crowned European champion in the 400m freestyle.

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I tried to go out a bit fast, to see what it could do. But it was good because I still kept my legs on the last 100 meters. Fortunately, because they were coming back behind.

Marchand described trying to put blinders on for the first 200 meters, only realizing later that competitors were closing in. He gradually increased his effort, buoyed by the crowd's encouragement. The final 25 meters were challenging, as expected for the distance, but he felt his final underwater glide was particularly strong.

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But I am European champion in the 400m freestyle, so I don't have much else to ask for.

Looking ahead, Marchand confirmed his next objective is the World Championships in short course swimming in Beijing in December. He noted that this will be his first major competition in short course and acknowledged potential timing conflicts with his vacation and preparation, but expressed a strong desire to succeed.

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I tried to put blinders on for the first 200 meters. Then, I realized they were coming back strong.