How the American college circuit supported Leon Marchand's Olympic challenge in his home country
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Leon Marchand wants to continue writing the history of French sport and world swimming.
The Toulouse player has been on a different level since defeating the American legend. michael phelpsHe set a world record in the 400m individual medley. 2023 World Aquatics Championships to be held in Fukuoka.
Since then, he has continued his preparation as a swimming superstar on the American college circuit with Arizona State University (ASU).
“(In the NCAA) it takes a lot of energy. You're not just swimming for yourself, you're swimming for the team. So the stress is different. I'm pretty nervous about that because I don't want to get disqualified. Masu” “
For the French, the choice to remain in the American West was motivated by a love of competition. The university calendar allowed him to pick up the pace of competition and break the monotony of training.
“The reason I decided not to turn professional this year was so I could play more matches. By creating a rhythm of two weeks of training and one week of matches, I was able to get feedback from coaches. I can do it and I can grow. These are small goals that allow me to do it “to make the season go faster.'' So I think it's a good thing to prepare for a big event like the Olympics.”
After the highly anticipated 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where he competed in his first final in the 400m medley at the age of 19, Leon Marchand decided to move to the United States to compete against the top collegiate swimmers.Leon Marchand joins Arizona bob bowmanA legendary coach who once coached a certain person. michael phelps…
“Bob Bowman is a unique coach because I've never seen anyone so dedicated as a coach. He's so dedicated and it's really amazing to watch. And he always He pushes you a little bit beyond that, and he makes you grow.'' “Be confident in your work. It was hard during practice, so swim meets are a lot easier.'' .”
Bob Bowman is confident in Leon Marchand's potential to shine for his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics, saying, “I think Leon can withstand the pressure and perform well.”
But what is the famous Bowman method that Leon Marchand sought out on the other side of the Atlantic?
The secret for the American coach is to “never get too satisfied with anything.”
“The thing that will best help the swimmers who come here and are already good swimmers even better is to raise the bar every day. I’m challenging them in ways they haven’t been challenged before!” ” he explained after his program won his Pac-12.
But now the question arises. How will Leon Marchand apply his university experience to the 2024 Paris Olympics?
