Fresh from sweeping the podium in Incheon with three gold medals, Léon Marchand has landed back in France! Marchand is now ready to race on home soil for the first time since his historic summer. With a recent World Cup victory marking the seventh gold of his career in just a month, the 21-year-old phenom continues to deliver. And while he has thrilled fans across continents, it’s now the French supporters who are in for a treat as Marchand competes this weekend in Montauban.

Marchand’s star has risen meteorically. His four gold medals at the Paris Olympics and his impeccable performances left many comparing him to the sport’s legends. Not long after, he added a world record in the 200m individual medley at the World Aquatics World Cup in Singapore, where he broke Ryan Lochte’s record. A record that has remained untouched since 2012. Winning has recently been an easy feat to achieve for Marchand. He was thus eyeing to add a new feather to his hat. Reflecting on the feat, Marchand shared, “It was really exciting for me, because I was trying to do something that has never been done before.”

Now, after back-to-back global victories of the swimming phenom this weekend, the fans in Occitanie will be waiting to witness Léon’s prowess in the pool live. However, this homecoming in Montauban is as unexpected as it is welcomed. Originally planned as a low-key event with the TOEC Dolphins, Marchand’s first official race in France since the Olympics has sparked immense local interest. Moreover, it has been drawing officials and event organizers to volunteer in record numbers just to catch a glimpse of the Marchand mania. Though the event will be held behind closed doors due to limited capacity, the buzz around his presence is indeed undeniable.

Referring to the massive response and buzz that has been created surrounding Léon Marchand’s homecoming, the General Manager of the TOEC Dolphins, Michel Coloma, shared his thoughts. He quipped that a league official “never had so many requests from officials to be at the timekeeping.” The excitement surrounding Marchand has made one clear statement. The 21-year-old swimming superstar has truly been making ripples with his impeccable talent and grit.

On Sunday, Marchand will race in four events, including a unique 10x50m relay, the 200m breaststroke, and two relays, the 4x200m freestyle and the 4x100m medley. Even as a closed event, the Montauban inter-club competition promises an intimate yet electric atmosphere. More so because Marchand’s countrymen will get a rare chance to see him in action outside the international spotlight.

Marchand’s return to French waters would mean way more than just a mere competition. He would be coming back to his roots, and the fans from his homeland would get the chance to cheer for the swimming phenom. His rise has seen him transition from a local hero to an international superstar. However, fame and stardom often come with a bag full of drawbacks. And Léon himself has reflected on the same.

Leon Marchand feels the pangs of being a superstar

Getting constant limelight is a dream come true for many athletes. After all, having skill sets that draw comparisons with Michael Phelps is no child’s play. However, sometimes, too much glitz and glamor can do more harm than good. After having one of the best Olympic outings in Paris, Leon Marchand is being given celebrity treatment in Paris. As a result, he has been mobbed by fans on several occasions, which has made the Olympic gold medalist get frustrated. 

Explaining his struggles, Marchand stated that he had to resort to caps and glasses to escape from his fans in the streets of Paris. Speaking to Inside the Games, Marchand said, “I need to organize myself a little more. I can’t do my shopping alone. I wear a cap and glasses. I try to hide a little.” Thus, trying desperately to find some closure, Leon Marchand has found solace outside of France. In South Korea and China, to be precise. 

Enjoying a much more relaxed life, a relieved Marchand noted, “There was so much pressure around the Olympics that I think I really need to relax in the upcoming season. It does me good to do competitions with less at stake. Whether it’s China or South Korea, I can walk about in peace; I can just be myself; I do more or less what I want; no one recognizes me, so it’s good; it’s not like in France.” Thus, living a life of fame and glory, Leon Marchand is surely the next big thing in the realm of swimming. Now, it will be interesting to see how well he can keep up with his superstar status in the years to come.