French swimming prodigy Léon Marchand electrified the World Championships in Singapore on Wednesday, obliterating the 200-meter individual medley world record with a breathtaking time of 1:52.61 during the semifinals. The 23-year-old surpassed the previous mark of 1:54.00, set by American Ryan Lochte in 2011, by over a second, earning a $30,000 prize and setting the stage for a potential repeat in Thursday’s final.

Marchand, who claimed four Olympic gold medals in Paris last year, described the feat as “insane,” noting his relaxed yet aggressive approach, saying, “I went out hard from the start, stayed super-relaxed, and gave it absolutely everything.”

Competing in a lighter schedule this “transition year,” Marchand is focusing on the 200m and 400m individual medley and relays to stay fresh for record-breaking performances. He holds the 400m IM world record (4:02.50, set in 2023) and will race it on Sunday, the championship’s final day.

Leading by 1.8 seconds at the 150-meter mark, Marchand powered through the freestyle leg, feeling “light” and technically precise. His strategic pacing and flawless execution have positioned him as a dominant force, with the swimming world eagerly anticipating his upcoming races.

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