Following his extraordinary achievements at the Paris Olympics, Leon Marchand took a short hiatus from training before resuming workouts in mid-September. His return to competition was marked by a series of commanding performances, including breaking the world record in the 200 IM and earning the overall men’s World Cup title. Despite this success, Marchand opted out of the Short Course World Championships due to fatigue, later revealing a shoulder subluxation. In early 2025, he traveled to Australia for specialized training, focusing on freestyle under renowned coach Dean Boxall. However, a stress fracture in his ribs temporarily halted his progress. Now back in the United States with the Texas Pro Group, Marchand is keen to re-enter competitive swimming.

Marchand's performance at the Paris Olympics solidified his status as one of the world's top swimmers. He achieved four gold medals, setting new Olympic records in each event, and ranked among the fastest in history in multiple disciplines. His exceptional skills earned him significant recognition and accolades, propelling him to the forefront of international swimming.

A Year of Achievements and Challenges

Leon Marchand’s year was filled with both remarkable accomplishments and personal hurdles. After a triumphant showing at the Paris Olympics, he embarked on a journey that included recovering from injuries and adapting to new training environments. His decision to skip the Short Course World Championships highlighted the importance of rest and recovery in maintaining peak performance. Despite these challenges, Marchand continued to train diligently, showcasing resilience and determination.

Post-Olympics, Marchand returned home to Toulouse to work with his former coach, Nicolas Castel. This transition helped him gradually ease back into competition through local meets before heading to the World Cup circuit. His dominance in the individual medley events culminated in breaking the world record in the 200 IM during the Singapore leg. This achievement underscored his technical prowess and physical capabilities. Yet, the demands of such an intense schedule led to his withdrawal from the Budapest championships. He cited not only fatigue but also a December shoulder injury as reasons for stepping back, emphasizing the need for recuperation and understanding from fans.

Focusing on the Future

In early 2025, Marchand ventured to Australia to refine his skills under the guidance of Dean Boxall. This strategic move aimed to enhance his freestyle technique, aligning himself with some of the world's best swimmers. Although another setback occurred when he suffered a rib stress fracture, Marchand remained committed to his goals. His recent return to the Texas Pro Group signifies a renewed focus on regaining competitive form ahead of upcoming events.

Training in Australia provided Marchand with invaluable opportunities to collaborate closely with elite athletes like Elijah Winnington and Mollie O’Callaghan. While there, he concentrated on strengthening his freestyle, recognizing its potential to elevate his overall performance. Unfortunately, his stay was interrupted by a stress fracture, forcing him to pause his aquatic activities for a week. Despite this setback, Marchand persevered, returning to the pool once healed. Upon relocating to Austin, Texas, he joined forces with Bob Bowman and fellow Olympians Regan Smith and Chase Kalisz. This environment fosters camaraderie and mutual growth, preparing Marchand for future competitions. With the Fort Lauderdale Pro Swim Series on the horizon, anticipation builds as he looks forward to demonstrating his evolved abilities and proving his status as a global swimming powerhouse.