Léon Marchand scales back European Championships program due to injury

French swimming star Léon Marchand has significantly scaled back his participation in the European Aquatics Championships, which commence Monday in Saint-Denis, due to a lingering right adductor injury. The quadruple Olympic champion, who recently recovered from the injury, will focus on select events to manage his physical condition.

Marchand announced he will not compete in the preliminary heats of the men's 4x200m freestyle relay. However, he indicated he would be available for the final if the French team qualifies. His participation in other relays, including the mixed 4x100m medley, remains uncertain, with his role dependent on his recovery and the specific needs of the team. He is unlikely to swim breaststroke or backstroke due to his injury and specialties.

The 200m butterfly is one event Marchand is confirmed to compete in individually. He acknowledged feeling "discomfort" at 100% effort but described it as "perfectly manageable." The preliminary heats and semifinals are scheduled for Friday, with the final taking place Saturday. In the final, he will not face Hungarian rival Kristof Milak, who opted to concentrate on shorter distances after their memorable Paris 2024 Olympic showdown.

Another event Marchand is confirmed for is the 400m freestyle, a distance he will tackle for the first time in a major international competition. While he aims to contend for medals, the reduced program and ongoing injury present significant challenges. The championships will also feature the men's 4x100m freestyle relay, with Marchand's participation still pending.

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discomfort when I am at 100%, but it is perfectly manageable.