Léon Marchand Wins 4th Olympic Gold, Paris Celebrates

 The joy in Paris spread far beyond the swimming pool as a result of Leon Marchand's victory. Marchand's fourth Olympic gold medal was met with a thunderous ovation at Stade de France, home of the opening night of track and field. The 400-meter decathlon heat was postponed due to the overwhelming amount of applause.

Léon Marchand

Marchand's victory was seen by some 20,000 people at the French Olympic house. Among them was 19-year-old Arthur Oursel, who praised Marchand as a hero. Joining the more than 15,000 spectators at the converted rugby stadium, Marchand dominated the 200-meter individual medley, setting an Olympic record time of 1 minute, 54.06 seconds. French President Emmanuel Macron was among the enthusiastic supporters.

The 22-year-old French swimmer solidified his legacy as one of the Summer Games’ biggest stars, joining the ranks of Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz, and Kristin Otto, who also won four individual golds in a single Olympics. Despite narrowly missing Ryan Lochte’s world record, Marchand’s achievements in the 400 IM, 200 butterfly, and 200 backstroke left a lasting impression.

Chants, music, and flags were raised by the French supporters at La Defense Arena as Marchand triumphantly held up four fingers. With a congrats, Macron said, "The impossible isn't French!" Marchand's American instructor, Bob Bowman, exhorted him to savor the occasion, which prompted the audience to sing "La Marseillaise" with passion and yell "Léon! Léon! Léon!"

Léon Marchand

Australia's Cameron McEvoy and Kaylee McKeown won further gold in other competitions. McKeown became the first female swimmer to win the 200 backstroke and the 50 freestyle in two consecutive Summer Games. McEvoy won the 50 freestyle.

In the 200 backstroke, American swimmer Regan Smith won her fifth silver medal, but Caeleb Dressel struggled, placing sixth in the 50 freestyle and missing out on the 100 butterfly final. Despite his difficulties, Dressel won his seventh career gold by leading the United States to victory in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay.

One of the highlights of the 2024 Olympics will undoubtedly be Marchand's amazing week and Paris's ecstatic celebration.

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