swimmer Léon Marchand wants to “give everything” for his unprecedented double on Wednesday – Libération

2024-07-30 21:23:47

After his evening’s final, the French swimmer believes more than ever in his chances of medals in the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke. However he knows that the Hungarian Kristof Milak will be a great opponent in the first event.

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A double for history. As he dreamed, Léon Marchand qualified on Tuesday evening for the finals of the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke. Race two in which he will aim for the gold medal on Wednesday, July 30, following the 400m medley title on Sunday. And he believes in it more than ever, he explained on French 2. “We don’t really know if it’s true or not until we do it. This morning I realized that it really is possible. And after the 400m medley, Bob [Bowman, son coach, ndlr] told me “okay, we did.” So we felt that I was in good shape and that I could do it. Now, I’m in the final in both races, it’s great.”

Famous in the breaststroke, he swam within one second of the French record, however less serene in the butterfly, where Kristof Milak of Hungary won the two heats of the day, in the series then in the semi-final. “This evening I tried to release myself, I did a good pap 200, 1′53″ 50, it was one of the best [temps]. I was very good until 150 meters, after the last 50 it sold a little. I would give everything tomorrow to try to get it, but here it is [Kristof Milak] is a very big opponent, it will be a big challenge for me. “

Marchand also emphasized the importance of audience participation in his plays. “I don’t know [cette ambiance], and there I have experienced it four times today. That’s why I love doing so many races. We are very lucky to hold the Games in France. I’m using it a lot. “