Léon Marchand: The French Swimming Sensation Disrupting the 2024 Olympics

French swimmer Léon Marchand has captivated the 2024 Olympics, winning multiple gold medals. His victories have distracted other events as fans flock to watch him. The swimmer's popularity has surged in his hometown of Toulouse, and fans eagerly buy his memorabilia, while President Macron has praised his achievements.

French swimmer Léon Marchand has taken the 2024 Olympics by storm, causing unexpected disruptions across various venues. His triumph in the 200-meter butterfly on Wednesday was so monumental that fans at a nearby tennis event paused to cheer, perplexing athletes like Austin Krajicek.

This phenomenon wasn't isolated to one venue. At the Grand Palais, the excitement for Marchand paused the Korean and U.S. fencing teams' bout, while Swedish table tennis athlete Truls Moregardh could only smile in disbelief. On Friday, Marchand's new Olympic record in the 200 individual medley at La Défense Arena clinched his fourth gold, with 20,000 fans at Club France erupting in cheers.

President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Marchand's feats, deeming them 'historic,' while back in Toulouse, plans are underway to name a swimming complex after him. His memorabilia is in high demand, despite supply shortages, reflecting his status as these Olympics' biggest star. Marchand's journey ended Sunday with a bronze in the 4x100 medley relay, capping an iconic Olympic run.

(With inputs from agencies.)