Michael Phelps, Marie-Jose Perec, Ian Thorpe & other athletes congratulate Leon Marchand on securing first swimming medal for France at Paris Olympics

By Janhavi Shinde

Modified Jul 29, 2024 10:23 GMT

Leon Marchand received praise from a few iconic sports legends, including Michael Phelps, Marie-Jose Perec, and Ian Thorpe after securing the first swimming medal for France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He dominated the 400m individual medley lineup to increase the French team's medal tally.

Marchand competed in the 400m individual medley race as a front runner and clocked a whopping time of 4:02.95. To achieve this feat he defeated Japan's Tomoyuki Matsushita and America's Carson Foster, who clocked 4:08.62 and 4:08.66, respectively.

Following this glorious feat, he took to social media and shared a winning moment picture, while penning a heartwarming and inspiring message.

"A DREAM CAME TRUE !! MERCI PARIS," he wrote.

The 22-year-old's victory did not go unnoticed by iconic athletes, who extended their congratulations to him.

Marchand's victorious time also shattered Phelps' Olympic record of 4:03.84, which he set during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The legendary swimmer with 23 Olympic gold medals under his belt congratulated the French swimmer and wrote,

"Great swim !!👏 congrats bro! 🥇"

The former five-time Olympic gold medalist and Australia's favorite swimmer, Ian Thorpe also extended his praise, writing,

"Leon Marchampion Olympique! 👏"

The retired two-time consecutive Olympic gold medalist, Marie-Jose Perec also extended her wishes,

"Congratulations Leon for this beautiful medal! 🌟😊"

Marchand's fellow swimmer, Florent Manaudou also admired the 22-year-old,

"Oui monsieur 👏🏼," he wrote, meaning "Yes, sir"

Read the messages here by a few sporting icons for Marchand.

Screenshot of Leon Marchand's Instagram post's comment section.

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"It was kind of funny and I was very grateful" - Leon Marchand on receiving a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron after his recent feat

Leon Marchand celebrates following the Swimming medal ceremony after the Men’s 400m Individual Medley at the Paris Olympics in France. (Photo by Getty Images)

Besides the legendary athletes, French President Emmanuel Macron also praised Leon Marchand's victory.

In an interview with Wion, Marchand stated that he received a phone call from President Macron to extend his wishes. The 22-year-old further said that the president was watching the victory unfold along with his family.

"He told me that he was watching the final with his whole family. Everyone was screaming on the phone. It was kind of funny and I was very grateful for that phone call."

Marchand will further compete in the men's 200m IM, 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly, 4x200m freestyle relay, and 4x100m medley relay events.