CALIFORNIA, USA: Five-time world champion Leon Marchand of France secured another victory at the Speedo Grand Challenge in California, winning the 100m butterfly with a time of 52.56 seconds.
The 22-year-old outpaced American Billy Picht, who finished in 53.71 seconds. This triumph marked Marchand’s third win in two days at the Irvine event, as he continues his preparation for the Paris Olympics.
On Friday, Marchand showcased his versatility by winning both the 200m medley and the 100m breaststroke. He clocked 1:55.74 in the 200m medley, just shy of his European record set at the 2023 world championships, and 59.06 seconds in the 100m breaststroke.
Marchand, who recently completed a stellar collegiate career under the guidance of Bob Bowman, the former coach of Michael Phelps, is favored to dominate the medleys and the 200m butterfly at the Paris Olympics. He will continue his competitive streak on Sunday with the 100m backstroke and 100m freestyle.
