SPORT SCANNING - Léon Marchand, the celebrated French swimmer, reflects on his remarkable 2024 and shares insights into his future aspirations beyond the pool. In a recent interview with Water World, Marchand expressed a lifelong passion for astrophysics and astronomy, revealing his desire to transition into the space industry post-career. He stated, “Since I was little, I have loved astrophysics, astronomy, and space very much. I realized that perhaps I could work on this topic, and I would be the happiest in the world.” Additionally, Marchand shared his enthusiasm for music, particularly House music, indicating a multifaceted personality that fans can look forward to as he prepares for another competitive year in 2025.
Q&A with Léon Marchand adn Expert Swimming Analyst
Time.news Editor (TNE): Léon, congratulations on a spectacular year in 2024! Breaking records and winning gold medals at the Paris Olympics must have been beyond thrilling. How do you feel about your performance this year?
Léon Marchand: Thank you! It has indeed been a remarkable experience. Winning gold in the 400-meter individual medley and breaking world records, especially surpassing Michael Phelps’s record, felt surreal. I’ve put in countless hours of training, and it’s rewarding to see that hard work pay off on such a notable stage.
TNE: You’ve accomplished so much already in swimming. What’s next for you on both a professional and personal level?
Léon: While I’m focused on continuing my swimming career, I’m also passionate about pursuing interests outside the pool.My lifelong love for astrophysics and astronomy is something I want to explore more deeply after my swimming career. I beleive that working in the space industry would make me incredibly happy.
TNE: That’s fascinating! How do you see your transition from athletics to a career in astrophysics? What skills do you think are transferable?
Léon: The discipline and work ethic required in swimming are critical in any field, including science. Swimming has taught me how to set goals, be resilient, and continuously strive for enhancement. Those traits will certainly help me as I enter the space field, which also requires a lot of dedication and problem-solving skills.
TNE: You mentioned some personal interests, particularly your enthusiasm for music, especially House music. How does music play a role in your training and personal life?
Léon: Music is a huge part of my life. It inspires me and keeps me motivated.While training, I often listen to House music to energize my workouts. It helps create an enjoyable atmosphere, making long hours in the pool feel a bit more engaging. I think having diverse interests outside of sport enriches my personality and influences my performance positively.
TNE: Given your multifaceted personality and ambitions, what’s your advice to young athletes about balancing their passions with their sports careers?
Léon: It’s essential to cultivate your interests outside of your primary sport. It keeps you well-rounded and adds depth to who you are.Balancing your passions with athletics provides coping mechanisms and can alleviate pressure, especially during challenging competition periods. Don’t be afraid to explore diffrent fields; you never know what you might find that can enrich your life!
TNE: As you look ahead to 2025, what are your goals in the pool and beyond?
Léon: In 2025, I aim to defend my titles and push my limits further. I want to be the best I can be, not just as a swimmer but also as someone preparing for a future in a different industry. I hope to inspire others through my journey, showing that it’s possible to strive for excellence in multiple areas of life.
TNE: Léon, thank you for sharing your insights! Your journey is inspiring, and we look forward to following your career both in swimming and beyond.
Léon: Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.