Leon Marchand Soars To Fifth-Fastest 400IM In History At French Championships
Leon Marchand soared to 4:04.56 in the 400IM at the French Championships, the fifth-fastest performance in history and one that only he and Michael Phelps have surpassed.
The Olympic champion posted 4:11.90 in prelims and returned to the Saint-Etienne pool in the evening to deliver a masterclass in medley swimming.
Splits: 55.18/1:57.31/3:05.40/4:04.56
It comes in at number four in Marchand’s pantheon topped by his 4:02.50 world record set at the 2023 World Championships in Fukuoka. He now owns five of the top six performances in history with Phelps’ 4:03.84 from Beijing 2008 sitting at number three.
All-Time Rankings
4:02.50: Leon Marchand, 2023 World Championships
4:02.95: Leon Marchand, 2024 Olympics
4:03.84: Michael Phelps, 2008 Olympics
4:04.28: Leon Marchand, 2022 World Championships
4:04.56: Leon Marchand, 2026 French Championships
4:04.73: Leon Marchand, 2025 World Championships
Emilien Mattenet was second in 4:17.28 – almost 13 seconds behind Marchand – followed by Jaouad Syoud of Algeria (4:23.47) with Jonah Werhann (4:24.01).
Wattel Speeds To Free Title
Marchand’s masterclass concluded the evening after Marie Wattel won the final women’s event, leading the 100 free throughout in 53.96. Beryl Gastaldello was second in 54.10, 0.05 ahead of Mary-Ambre Moluh (54.15).
The men’s 50 fly took place without Maxime Grousset who withdrew earlier this month with a fractured left foot which throws the world champion’s hopes of competing at Paris 2026 into doubt.
Michel Arkhangelsky of Bahrain was first to touch in 22.91 with Nikita Baez the first Frenchman home in 23.26 followed by Clement Secchi (23.38) and Lysander Osman (23.61).
Bertille Cousson led the women’s 200 back from start to finish to take the title in 2:08.67 ahead of Pauline Mahieu (2:11.71) and Lou-Anne Guiton (2:12.28).
Carl Aitkaci was the only man to break the minute mark in the 100m breaststroke, coming from 0.40 down at halfway to go past Antoine Viquerat on the second 50, taking the title in 59.81 to 1:00.43. Sebastian Capogna was third in 1:00.79.
Lou-Ann Gaudaire headed the fastest heat of the women’s 800 free, pulling away from Alexa Reyna down the final 50 to win in 8:35.08 to 8:36.64. Laura Gourgeon was next home in 8:44.25.
