Léon Marchand Withdraws from World Championships

Léon Marchand, the four-time Olympic swimming champion, announced his withdrawal from the upcoming short course World Championships in Budapest due to exhaustion following an intense competitive year. The 22-year-old French swimmer expressed the need to take a step back to rest and prepare for future challenges after achieving significant success, including winning four gold medals at the Paris Olympics and breaking the world record in the 200m medley at the recent Short Course World Cup. Marchand's decision adds to a growing list of elite competitors who have opted out of the event. He last competed for his club in Montauban on November 10 and has remained in France for training since the Olympics. Marchand emphasized the importance of hard training as he looks ahead to his future in swimming.