| 1. Léon Marchand is a French swimmer known for holding the world record in the 400 metre individual medley in long course. |
| 2. He comes from a family of swimmers with his father, Xavier Marchand, and mother, Céline Bonnet, both having competed in the Olympics. |
| 3. Léon discovered his passion for swimming in the 6th grade after not initially being sporty. |
| 4. Initially quitting swimming due to cold water, he returned at age nine and excelled in the sport. |
| 5. He was first coached by Nicolas Castel in Toulouse, France. |
| 6. In 2019, he won titles and medals at various swimming competitions, including the European Championships and World Junior Swimming Championships. |
| 7. Marchand qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics but didn't win any medals. |
| 8. To enhance his skills, he joined Arizona State University with coach Bob Bowman. |
| 9. Bowman noticed Marchand's dedication and compared it to working with Michael Phelps. |
| 10. Marchand broke multiple records in his collegiate career, winning his first NCAA title in 2022. |
| 11. He continued his success in 2023, including setting new records and winning championships. |
| 12. At the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, he broke Michael Phelps' longstanding individual world record. |
| 13. Marchand embraces his unique physique and aims to inspire others to excel in swimming. |
| 14. Apart from swimming, he has a passion for flying airplanes and dreams of getting a private pilot's license. |
| 15. Marchand qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021) with a personal best and French record time of 4:09.65 in the 400 metre individual medley, but did not win any medals. |
| 16. He began swimming at age five and showed natural talent early on. |
