In the world of swimming, legends are made, and records are meant to be broken. In swimming history, one name reigns supreme: Michael Phelps. With an unparalleled legacy and a staggering 23 Olympic gold medals to his name, Phelps has long been regarded as the epitome of swimming greatness.

Yet, in the midst of Phelps’ illustrious career, a new contender has emerged, poised to challenge the unbreakable records set by the swimming titan. In the deep blue depths of the swimming world, a young sensation is making waves. Leon Marchand, a 21-year-old French prodigy, has set his sights on a seemingly impossible goal: breaking the world record held by none other than the legendary swimmer Michael Phelps.

Training under Michael Phelps’ coach to break his standing record.

Marchand’s journey is one of aspiration and inspiration. Leon Marchand’s name has been steadily rising since capturing his first world title at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, where he came tantalizingly close to breaking the 400m individual medley world record. Under Bowman’s watchful eye, the young Frenchman has embraced the challenge of breaking records and exceeding expectations, drawing comparisons between Marchand and Phelps. Marchand’s goal as he prepares for the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, is not only to defend his title, but also to break the 15-year-old record.

Marchand has learned the wisdom and techniques that helped Phelps achieve success under coach Bowman’s tutelage. Recognizing the synergy between coach and athlete, Marchand said, “Sometimes Bob tells me that Michael would have achieved such and such a time. Obviously, I compare myself but it’s not the best thing to do. But it does motivate me. I’m curious to know things like that.” Marchand, in an interview with Olympics.com, revealed the unique nature of his relationship with Phelps. “We exchange messages,” he shared, a glimmer of excitement evident in his voice. “He told me that if I have questions, I shouldn’t hesitate to ask. We talk, he helps me – that’s pretty cool!”

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Swimming Evolution Constant Progression and New Milestones

But Marchand is not alone in his pursuit to dethrone Phelps. Swimmers like 17-year-old Maximus Williamson, 23-year-old Hungarian Kristof Milak, and American swimmer Caeleb Dressel have already left their mark by breaking Phelps’ records. Milak shattered Phelps’ 18-year-old world record in the 200-meter butterfly, while Dressel surpassed Phelps’ 10-year-old record in the 100-meter butterfly.

Read more: “That’s a Crazy Split for Last 50”: Despite Struggling in 4th Place, US Swimmer’s Record-Breaking Swim at Tokyo Olympics Leaves Fans Spellbound

These remarkable achievements demonstrate the continuous evolution of the sport and the emergence of new talents ready to make their own mark in swimming history. Marchand, along with these record-breaking athletes, carries the torch of excellence, pushing the boundaries and inspiring future generations to reach new heights, all while paying homage to the legacy of Michael Phelps. The torch has been passed from Phelps to Marchand, who embraces the weight of expectation and the desire to leave an indelible mark on swimming history.

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