Léon Marchand, the quadruple Olympic champion, is set to make his highly anticipated return to competition on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Tyr Pro Swim Series in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This marks his first major event in a long-awaited comeback after a four-month hiatus from the pool, during which he focused on honing his freestyle technique while training in Australia.
Marchand, who has captured the hearts of swimming fans worldwide with his remarkable performances, will compete in five events at this meet, including the 200m and 400m individual medley, 200m breaststroke, and his new focus: the 200m and 400m freestyle. "I want to be in shape to achieve good times and know where I stand, because I have no idea where I am!" Marchand expressed in a recent interview, highlighting his eagerness to gauge his current form.
After a sensational summer at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he claimed four gold medals, Marchand took a break to recharge his batteries in Australia. During his three-month stint Down Under, he trained under the guidance of renowned coach Dean Boxall, focusing on freestyle technique and preparing for the challenges ahead. "I began this freestyle challenge in January, and it excites me because I have never really done freestyle before," Marchand admitted, emphasizing his desire to step out of his comfort zone.
His best time in the 400m freestyle stands at 4'04"65, dating back to January 2020, which is significantly slower than the current world record of 3'39"96 set by Germany's Lukas Märtens on April 12, 2025. Marchand acknowledges the gap but sees it as a thrilling challenge rather than a setback. "It makes me vibrate because I don't know if it's possible for me," he remarked, showing his determination to improve.
The competition in Fort Lauderdale promises to be fierce, with around 700 swimmers, including numerous Olympic medalists like Caeleb Dressel, Bobby Finke, and Katie Ledecky, all vying for top honors. Marchand is particularly looking forward to racing against these elite athletes, stating, "There is a level of competition I've never had in training, and I think we will progress quickly together. I'm excited to race with them in freestyle."
Marchand's schedule for the meet is packed, starting with the 400m freestyle series on May 1 at 17:53 French time, followed by the 200m freestyle series on May 2 at 15:25, the 400m individual medley at 18:25, the 200m breaststroke on May 3 at 15:48, and concluding with the 200m individual medley at 16:58. These events will serve as crucial tests as he gears up for the upcoming World Championships in Singapore this summer, which he has expressed a strong desire to compete in.
Despite the excitement of returning to competition, Marchand has also acknowledged the mental and physical fatigue he experienced leading up to this moment. "I had a bit of a dip in energy and motivation. I wasn't really excited to get up for training in the mornings," he shared, reflecting on his need for a break to regain his enthusiasm for the sport.
As he prepares for this new chapter in his career, Marchand is keenly aware of the importance of diversifying his training and pushing his limits. "Every year, I change a lot of things. I feel that if I do the same thing every day, I will get bored, and that's not the goal. If I want to swim faster, I need to change my strategy and take on new races where I have no benchmarks," he explained. This approach is particularly relevant as he embarks on his freestyle journey, a distance he has rarely competed in.
Marchand's commitment to evolving as a swimmer is evident in his training regimen and competitive mindset. He has set ambitious goals for himself over the next three years leading up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, where he hopes to showcase his newfound skills in freestyle. "I don't know when I'll really swim a good 400m or 200m, but it will happen one day," he confidently stated.
As the Fort Lauderdale meet unfolds, all eyes will be on Léon Marchand, not just to see how he fares against a loaded field, but to witness the next steps in his remarkable swimming journey. With his sights set on the future and a determination to succeed, Marchand is ready to dive back into the competitive waters and make his mark once again.
