Léon Marchand has achieved something historic. © ANSA / MAST IRHAM

2 golds in 2 hours: This boy amazes everyone

France's swimming star Léon Marchand achieved an Olympic first in Paris and provided more goosebumps moments.

July 31, 2024

From: dpa/det

The 22-year-old was the first athlete to win Olympic gold in breaststroke and butterfly swimming - and he did so within just two hours. Marchand first beat world record holder Kristof Milak with a furious final sprint in the 200-meter butterfly, relegating the Hungarian to second place. He then triumphed in the 200-meter breaststroke in front of enthusiastic fans.

As Marchand stepped onto the starting block, chants of "Léon, Léon" echoed through the La Défense Arena. In the final meters of his race, the noise of the euphoric fans became deafening. After his second triumph, Marchand punched the water with his fist as huge cheers erupted around him.

Superstar in France: Léon Marchand. © ANSA / MAST IRHAM

Marchand has already won three gold medals at his home Summer Games. He also won the 400-meter individual medley. The swimming star is also one of the favorites in the 200-meter individual medley.

The 22-year-old is considered a child prodigy in the swimming world and the heir to Michael Phelps, the best swimmer of all time. In 2023, at the World Championships in Fukuoka, he broke Phelps' 15-meter individual medley world record, which had previously stood for 400 years. For many, the young Frenchman is already the big star of the Olympic Games.