Leon Marshan became a legend: two gold medals in swimming in one evening
1 august 2024 в 21:28
Fans witnessed the fairly shy Leon Marshan become a legend, achieving something that hadn’t been done in almost 50 years — winning two individual gold medals in swimming in one night, setting two Olympic records in the process.
On Wednesday evening at the La Defense Arena, Marshan completed one of the boldest doubles in swimming history, winning the 200-meter butterfly and the 200-meter breaststroke roughly two hours apart in his home country, supported by his compatriots who cheered him on with every stroke.
When Marshan’s first race was announced on the big screen, songs began: «Le-on! Le-on! Le-on! Le-on!» When he appeared at the poolside, a roar erupted, followed by more songs: «Le-on! Le-on! Le-on! Le-on!» The signal sounded, and a mighty cheer rose from the crowd.
And if there’s anyone who can appreciate the magnitude of what 22-year-old Marshan did at the Paris Olympics, it’s Bob Bowman — longtime coach of Michael Phelps.
Marshan was compared to the Flying Fish after he broke Michael Phelps' world record in the 400-meter individual relay in 2023. Five days later at the 2024 Olympic Games, Marshan lived up to — and even exceeded — all expectations with three gold medals.
«I'm very proud of him», - Bowman said of his latest pupil. «It's a huge, historic effort. It just shows the incredible work he’s put in over the years to get here».
Despite the glory, Bowman added that there is a potential downside at this moment, as he has seen firsthand how helping others achieve legendary status can be. He told reporters that, in his opinion, Marshan can still improve — and must survive after success.
«The key for him, which unfortunately I know about and he doesn’t yet, is that he needs to survive after success, right?» Bowman said. «He needs to come out of what’s next. And he has no idea, but I know exactly what’s next. And somehow he needs to find his way back to the pool in Austin, Texas, and start going up and down it».
But the swimmer seems to be on the right path, as he still doesn’t seek attention. Instead of letting the excitement inflate his ego, he uses it as fuel to become a better competitor.
«I'm a very shy person», - Marshan said. «I was the center of attention during those two races. I tried to get energy from the whole crowd. They are amazing to me, supporting me in every final».
And, to top it off, he received approval from the most decorated Olympic champion in history.
«I think the easiest thing for me is probably the most magnificent double I’ve seen in the history of sports», - Phelps said of Marshan’s achievement, which was last done in 1976 by East German Cornelia Ender, who won the 200-meter freestyle and the 100-meter butterfly in Montreal
On Wednesday evening at the La Defense Arena, Marshan completed one of the boldest doubles in swimming history, winning the 200-meter butterfly and the 200-meter breaststroke roughly two hours apart in his home country, supported by his compatriots who cheered him on with every stroke.
When Marshan’s first race was announced on the big screen, songs began: «Le-on! Le-on! Le-on! Le-on!» When he appeared at the poolside, a roar erupted, followed by more songs: «Le-on! Le-on! Le-on! Le-on!» The signal sounded, and a mighty cheer rose from the crowd.
And if there’s anyone who can appreciate the magnitude of what 22-year-old Marshan did at the Paris Olympics, it’s Bob Bowman — longtime coach of Michael Phelps.
Marshan was compared to the Flying Fish after he broke Michael Phelps' world record in the 400-meter individual relay in 2023. Five days later at the 2024 Olympic Games, Marshan lived up to — and even exceeded — all expectations with three gold medals.
«I'm very proud of him», - Bowman said of his latest pupil. «It's a huge, historic effort. It just shows the incredible work he’s put in over the years to get here».
Despite the glory, Bowman added that there is a potential downside at this moment, as he has seen firsthand how helping others achieve legendary status can be. He told reporters that, in his opinion, Marshan can still improve — and must survive after success.
«The key for him, which unfortunately I know about and he doesn’t yet, is that he needs to survive after success, right?» Bowman said. «He needs to come out of what’s next. And he has no idea, but I know exactly what’s next. And somehow he needs to find his way back to the pool in Austin, Texas, and start going up and down it».
But the swimmer seems to be on the right path, as he still doesn’t seek attention. Instead of letting the excitement inflate his ego, he uses it as fuel to become a better competitor.
«I'm a very shy person», - Marshan said. «I was the center of attention during those two races. I tried to get energy from the whole crowd. They are amazing to me, supporting me in every final».
And, to top it off, he received approval from the most decorated Olympic champion in history.
«I think the easiest thing for me is probably the most magnificent double I’ve seen in the history of sports», - Phelps said of Marshan’s achievement, which was last done in 1976 by East German Cornelia Ender, who won the 200-meter freestyle and the 100-meter butterfly in Montreal
© Kolganov Andrey
