Léon Marchand Breaks 200m IM World Record at Swimming Worlds

Léon Marchand of France dominated the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore by winning his sixth world championship title and third in the men's 200-meter individual medley. He shattered Ryan Lochte’s longstanding world record in the 200m IM semifinals with a time of 1:52.69, a mark considered 'stratospheric' by his coach, and then narrowly missed his record in the final with a 1:53.68 finish. Marchand, training under coach Bob Bowman at the University of Texas alongside other top swimmers Shaine Casas and Hubert Kós, expressed strong satisfaction with the competitive final and aims for further achievements following his success at the Paris Olympics. The championships also featured standout performances in other events, including Ahmed Jaouadi's lifetime best in the men's 800 freestyle and notable races in the women's 200 freestyle and mixed medley relay. Marchand’s remarkable form after a brief break highlights his continued dominance in international swimming.