Leon Marchand Withdraws From World Short-Course Championships: “Exhausted” & Needs To “Step Back
Quadruple Olympic champion Leon Marchand has withdrawn from the World Short-Course Championships in Budapest, saying he’s “exhausted” after an “intense” year.
The Frenchman won the IM double, 200 fly and 200m breaststroke in front of a home crowd at Paris 2024. In October he competed on the World Cup tour where he secured the overall men’s crown ahead of Noè Ponti and Duncan Scott.
He was set to make his short-course worlds debut as part of a 13-strong French team at the meet which runs from 10-15 December at the Duna Arena.
However, he posted to social media, saying: “I’ve decided to pull out from the World Championships in Budapest. 2024 was really intense, I’ve done a lot of big competitions and I’m exhausted.
“It’s time for me to step back, train hard and start preparing (for) future challenges. I know you will understand and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Seven men and five women will represent France in Hungary including the likes of Maxime Grousset, Yohann Ndoye Brouard and Beryl Gastaldello.
