Swimming: Léon Marchand Records World's Best Time in 400m IM

Léon Marchand made a triumphant return to French waters, securing the national title in the 400m individual medley at Saint-Étienne on June 27, 2026. This marked his first competition in France since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The Toulouse-born swimmer delivered a commanding performance, clocking the world's best time of the year at 4 minutes and 4.56 seconds. This result also positions him fifth on the all-time list for the event, just two seconds shy of his own world record set at the 2023 Fukuoka World Championships.

Marchand expressed his relief and satisfaction with the swim. "I think I needed to reassure myself today," he told France TV. "I hadn't had huge performances in the 400m IM for two years, so I needed to swim fast. I didn't expect 4:04, though. I had aimed to go under 4:08, so 4:04 is very solid."

His performance in Saint-Étienne was a significant confidence booster, validating his hard work and reaffirming his status as a top contender in the discipline. The win and the impressive time signal a strong return for the quadruple Olympic champion.

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I think I needed to reassure myself today. I hadn't had huge performances in the 400m IM for two years, so I needed to swim fast. I didn't expect 4:04, though. I had aimed to go under 4:08, so 4:04 is very solid.