Michael Phelps, Bob Bowman and Leon Marchand/ Source: Facebook.com @michaelphelps

Michael Phelps' former coach Bob Bowman highlights the loss of privacy and challenges of fame for Leon Marchand

Modified Dec 21, 2024 05:49 GMT

Michael Phelps' former coach Bob Bowman compared the post-Olympic journey of the former and Leon Marchand, emphasizing the profound effects fame has on privacy. Reflecting on the French swimmer's transformative rise after his historic Olympic victories, Bowman discussed the inevitable loss of privacy accompanying such success.

Marchand's remarkable achievements, including becoming a four-time Olympic champion and defeating world record holders, have thrust him into the public spotlight. His unprecedented success has made him a household name, particularly in France. Even his family faces newfound attention, with Bomwan noting that Marchand's mother was recognized while shopping in Toulouse.

The 59-year-old reflected on the 4-time gold medalist's rise to fame during a December 2024 appearance on the SwimSwam podcast, highlighting how rapidly public attention can change an athlete's life.

"Your mother is signing autographs in the grocery store in Toulouse, right? So he can't go anywhere in France without somebody wanting a picture, an. autograph, talk to him. And it's a wonderful thing that they love him so much. But now he has lost this level of privacy that he'll probably never have again. You know, I've seen it with Michael. Michael today is the same thing," Bowman said. (8:47 onwards)

On the podcast, Michael Phelps' former coach also discussed the standout performances of his swimmers from the Texas Longhorns at events like the Texas Elite Invite and Short Course World Championships. He highlighted their achievements and addressed the upcoming training plans for Marchand, who will join Dean Boxall in Australia for a few months, starting in January.

Marchand's historic victory at the Paris Games has earned praise from Phelps, further making him one of the sport's rising stars.

Michael Phelps praises Leon Marchand's record-breaking triumph at the Paris Olympics

Michael Phelps and Leon Marchand during the Paris Olympics (Image Source: Getty)

Leon Marchand delivered a stunning performance at Paris 2024, earning high praise from swimming legend Michael Phelps. The French swimmer won four golds and one bronze, claiming victories in the men's 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, and 400m individual medley.

Following Marchand's remarkable performance, the swimming legend expressed his eagerness to hear from the French swimmer about his experience and emphasized the unforgettable atmosphere at the Paris La Defense Arena.

Michael Phelps said on the NBC podcast (as quoted by olympics.com):

"The cheer, everything there, the electricity - I can't wait to talk to him to hear what it felt like. That's probably the greatest double I've ever seen in the history of the sport. To be able to go 1:52 and 2:05 - the kid can swim, we know that, and if we didn't know it before, he's gonna be here for a long time. He's gonna make a lot of noise."

Reflecting on his victory, Marchand said:

"I could hear the whole pool was going crazy. I think that's why also I was able to win in that race. I really used that energy from the crowd. "

Not long back, Leon Marchand impressed at the Swimming World Cup across Shanghai, Singapore and Incheon. During the competition, he broke the world record in the 200m individual medley event. The Frenchman's performances in 2024 saw him being named World Aquatics' Male Athlete of the Year.