Leon Marchand Dominates the Pool at the 2024 Olympics, How Does He Compare to Michael Phelps?

Thứ bảy, 03/08/2024 | 17:38 (GMT+7)

The 22-year-old French swimmer, Leon Marchand, has emerged as the standout star at the 2024 Olympics, clinching four gold medals and breaking four Olympic records. This performance has cemented his status as the heir apparent to swimming legend Michael Phelps.

Leon Marchand Dominates the Pool at the 2024 Olympics, How Does He Compare to Michael Phelps?

At the 2024 Olympics, Marchand received unwavering support from Phelps, particularly in the 400m and 200m individual medley events. On August 3, Marchand triumphed in the 200m individual medley with a time of 1:54.06, shattering the Olympic record.

This victory marked Marchand’s fourth gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, putting the French swimming team in third place in the swimming medal tally, tied with the United States but trailing due to fewer silver medals. Australia leads with seven golds and five silvers.

Marchand’s victories in the 200m and 400m individual medley events broke records previously held by Phelps since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing his potential as Phelps' successor.

Leon Marchand dominates the 2024 Olympic green track
Leon Marchand dominates the 2024 Olympic green track

Both Marchand and Phelps have been coached by Bob Bowman, a renowned American coach. Marchand’s other two gold medals came from the 200m breaststroke and butterfly events, where he also set new Olympic records. This makes him the most decorated swimmer of the 2024 Olympics so far.

"Marchand has shown his talent across multiple events, particularly excelling in individual medley and butterfly," stated Marca. "His achievements at the European and World Championships in 2022 and 2023 positioned him as a rising star, and he has lived up to that promise by dominating the pool at the 2024 Olympics with four gold medals. Michael Phelps now officially has a successor."

However, achieving the wealth status of Michael Phelps, who has a net worth exceeding $100 million from endorsements and investments, will be a challenging journey for Marchand, who currently has an estimated net worth of $2 to $3 million, according to Marca. This includes earnings from prize money, sponsorships, endorsements, and professional contracts.

Michael Phelps honored Leon Marchand at the 2023 world championships in Fukuoka, Japan, where the athlete also won 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the events he just won at the 2024 Olympics.
Michael Phelps honored Leon Marchand at the 2023 world championships in Fukuoka, Japan, where the athlete also won 3 gold medals and 1 silver medal in the events he just won at the 2024 Olympics.

Following the 2024 Olympics, Marchand’s financial prospects are expected to rise significantly. His impressive performance and dominance in the pool are likely to attract more lucrative sponsorship and endorsement deals.

"Marchand is on track to surpass Phelps' records, though matching Phelps' 23 Olympic gold medals is an enormous task," Marca noted. "However, Marchand has the potential to create his own legendary status in the swimming world. His current net worth reflects his remarkable talent and dedication, and as he continues to compete at the highest level, financial success is sure to follow. Clearly, Marchand has a very promising future ahead, not only in achieving athletic feats but also in surpassing financial milestones."

In conclusion, Leon Marchand’s stellar performance at the 2024 Olympics has positioned him as a formidable successor to Michael Phelps, both in the pool and potentially in financial success.