United News of Bangladesh

French swimming sensation Léon Marchand is back in the pool and eyeing more world records, a year after winning four Olympic gold medals at the Paris Games. Now a national hero in France, Marchand said life has changed significantly since his Olympic success, especially at home. “I have to plan things. I can’t just go out in the city to buy bread,” Marchand said on Saturday. “I’ve also learned how to say ‘no’ better. It’s much more peaceful when I travel outside France.” Marchand, who trained under Bob Bowman at the University of Texas at Austin, is set to headline the swimming world championships in Singapore — the largest international meet since the Olympics and a key qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Pool events will run from Sunday through August 3. He will compete in the 200-meter and 400-meter individual medleys, as well as team relays, but has opted out of his other Olympic gold-winning events — the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke. “This is a transition year for me, so I wanted a lighter schedule,” Marchand said. “I'm really excited to do less and see how fast I can go.” The 22-year-old will attempt to break the 200 IM world record of 1:54.00, set by American Ryan Lochte in 2011, and better his own 400 IM world record (4:02.50) set at the 2023 World Championships in Japan. 48th National Athletics Championship underway He credited coach Bowman, who famously mentored Michael Phelps to 23 Olympic golds, for preparing him both physically and mentally. “He knows how to be calm in every situation,” Marchand said. “He has a lot of experience on the biggest stage, so I trust him fully.” Also drawing attention in Singapore are Canadian prodigy Summer McIntosh and American veteran Katie Ledecky, along with 12-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, a rising star already clocking medal-worthy times. Marchand, however, remains focused. “Of course I want to break all the records,” he said. “I just don’t know when that’s going to happen.” Many believe it could be this week.