(Paris) How did a young man from Toulouse convince Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps’ mentor, to take him under his wing at Arizona State University?
Thanks to his initiative. In May 2020, from his home in the south of France, Léon Marchand contacted Bowman via his email address.
The newspaper The Parisian had access to the contents of this message sent like a bottle into the sea.
“Dear Sir. I am a French swimmer, my name is Leon Marchand (18 years old). I would like to join Arizona State University in the summer of 2021 to swim and compete in NCAA with your amazing team. Do you think I could get a scholarship? What is the required level of studies (TOEFL, SAT…)? You will find attached my CV. Thank you for the time you will spend studying my application. Sportingly, Leon”
Four years after receiving that email, which he still keeps, Bowman was celebrating in the stands of Paris La Défense Arena when his protégé became the first French athlete to win four gold medals at the same Olympic Games. Dominating the 200-meter medley, breaking a fourth Olympic record, Marchand was given a hero’s ovation, hailed like a giant and compared to the greatest.
Great Games
Even before the Olympic flame was lit to officially launch the Paris Games a week ago, Marchand was being heralded as the man to beat in the pool. He boasted five world titles, 10 NCAA national titles and a world record in the 400-meter individual medley.
Bowman, wearing a Les Bleus jersey, addressed the media after his pupil’s final individual race. As he praised the 22-year-old swimmer, spectators chanted “Leon! Leon!” It practically drowned out the 59-year-old American’s baritone voice.
PHOTO SÉBASTIEN BOZON, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Leon Marchand helped France win bronze in the 4x100m medley relay final on Sunday.
“When he started swimming in the NCAA, that’s where he blossomed. He thrives on that environment,” he said to the horde of reporters gathered around him.
Not only did Marchand hit the wall first in each of his four individual races, he also shattered four Olympic records, including two held by Phelps. Bowman credits Marchand’s maturity with how he was able to perform in front of his home crowd.
Between competitions, he knows what to do. He knows how to prepare outside the pool. He knows how to sleep well, how to relax well, how to eat well. All of these things make a difference.
Bob Bowman, Leon Marchand’s trainer
“Afterwards, as he trained well, it becomes automatic in a context like that.”
The New Phelps
From the early 2000s onwards, Bowman and Phelps formed a formidable partnership; 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold, and 39 world records. Phelps is now considered the most talented, prolific and accomplished swimmer in history.
With what he demonstrated in the Parisian swimming pool, and in view of his association with Bowman, Marchand is increasingly being compared to the American torpedo.
PHOTO MARK BAKER, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Michael Phelps and Bob Bowman in 2007
“Both perform at the highest level, both know how to adapt to those big calls and they know how to swim to the best of their abilities when the pressure is enormous,” Bowman acknowledges, treading cautiously down the path of comparison.
One thing is certain: “Leon has joined Michael in this highly prized club of athletes who, when the pressure is on, swim better.”
In Paris, the 22-year-old swimmer was participating in his second Olympic Games. He has a total of four gold medals in individual events. By the end of his second Games, at age 19, Phelps had as many.
“Both have the ability to smell water,” Bowman told reporters.
He did, however, let it be known that “Leon has a very aerodynamic body. He is very good underwater.”
Marchand concedes two inches in height to Phelps. That is why, in the eye of their trainer, he appears “less big and less powerful.”
Their greatest similarity, however, lies in their work ethic. “The desire to start over every day to constantly perform and train.”
The following
No one knows whether Marchand will have the ambition to climb to the top step of the podium eight times at the Los Angeles Games in four years, as his predecessor did in Beijing in 2008.
PHOTO CLODAGH KILCOYNE, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Leon Marchand poses for photographers.
To get there, the Frenchman would have to compete in freestyle, which he didn’t do in Paris. “His freestyle hasn’t been fantastic here,” Bowman said of what he saw in the medley races. “But he could be.”
“In the 100m breaststroke he could be very good. I think he could do the 100m butterfly when he gets older and stronger.”
When he returns to the Arizona State University campus, Marchand will no longer be seen as the computer science major who aspires to be a good swimmer. He will be recognized and identified as the face of the Paris Olympics and the rightful heir to Phelps.
Bowman knows how much Marchand’s daily life will change. However, it’s impossible to fully prepare for it, he notes. Having experienced it with Phelps, the coach knows exactly what swimming’s new darling will be facing. But he knows Marchand, and that’s why he’s not at all worried about what’s coming next.
“He’s going to have a lot of people trying to guide him. So he’s going to have to stay close to his circle. He’s going to have to deal with a lot of things that have nothing to do with swimming. He’s going to make money. At some point, I might have to bring him back. And in six weeks, we’re going to start training again. Now, he needs a break. He really needs it. A mental and physical break. But he’ll have fun. My God, he’ll have fun!”