In a symbolic and emotional moment for the world of competitive swimming, Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian in history, has officially passed the baton to French sensation Léon Marchand, following the latter’s record-breaking performance in the 400m individual medley.
Marchand made headlines at the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, when he shattered Phelps’ last standing world record in the event—an achievement many thought would stand the test of time. The two OMEGA brand ambassadors sat down for a special joint interview ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics, reflecting on their journey, mutual respect, and the legacy of their coach, Bob Bowman.
“I met a legend that day,” said Marchand. “Michael told me, ‘Go get it tonight.’ I felt like I had the green light from the greatest ever.”
Phelps, ever gracious, responded:
“Records are meant to be broken. I just said, ‘Rip one tonight.’ I knew this kid was going to do it. There was no doubt.”
- Michael Phelps: 28 Olympic medals, including 23 gold
- Léon Marchand: Broke Phelps’ 400m IM world record in 2023
- Coach Bob Bowman: Mentored both athletes
- Shared Values: Precision, focus, and respect for time—embodied by their partnership with OMEGA, the official Olympic timekeeper
The two athletes also bonded over their shared training roots at Arizona State University under Bowman’s tutelage. For Phelps, Bowman is like family:
“Coach is grandpa to my kids. He’s kind of like a dad to me.”
As Paris 2024 draws closer, Marchand is poised to be the face of a new generation of swimmers—fierce, focused, and ready to build his own legacy on the foundation Phelps laid.
In the pool and beyond, this meeting of champions has marked a poetic moment in sporting history—a changing of the guard, where greatness meets greatness, and the future of swimming is in confident, capable hands.
