French swimming sensation Leon Marchand continued his dominant performance at the Paris Olympics, claiming his fourth gold medal on Friday. He achieved this feat by winning the men’s 200m Individual Medley in an impressive Olympic record time. Britain’s Duncan Scott secured silver, while China’s Wang Shun took bronze in a thrilling race at the La Defense Arena. This victory makes Marchand the first French athlete to achieve four individual gold medals at a single Summer Games. He joins an exclusive club of male swimmers, including Michael Phelps and Mark Spitz, who have achieved this remarkable feat.
The 22-year-old Marchand has been on a winning streak, having already secured gold in the 400 Individual Medley last Sunday, followed by victories in the 200 butterfly and 200 breaststroke on Wednesday. His outstanding performances have cemented his place as a rising star in the world of swimming.
Meanwhile, Australian swimmer Kaylee McKeown showcased her incredible talent by becoming the first woman to successfully defend both backstroke titles at the Olympics. She dominated the 200m event, setting an Olympic record of 2:03.73 and surpassing American challenger Regan Smith, who took silver. Kylie Masse from Canada secured bronze in the fiercely competitive race.
McKeown, who previously retained her 100m title on day four of the Paris Olympics, has now become Australia’s first Olympian to win four individual gold medals. This achievement surpasses the legacy of iconic Australian swimmers such as Dawn Fraser, Ian Thorpe, and Betty Cuthbert. With her exceptional performances, McKeown has solidified her place as a true legend in the world of Olympic swimming.
