Leon Marchand Turns Pro; Bob Bowman Will be Part of French Olympic Staff

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

Leon Marchand Turns Pro, Will Train with Bob Bowman, Who Will be Part of French Staff

Leon Marchand is done swimming at Arizona State and is a professional.

Coach Bob Bowman confirmed Marchand will train with him at Texas as Bowman, who recently took over with the Longhorns after leading Arizona State to the NCAA title, will be part of the French coaching staff for the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“He is a pro,” Bowman said at the TYR Pro Swim Series in San Antonio. “He was going to do that at ASU after this past meet.”

Marchand is the world record holder in the 400 IM and led Arizona State to its first ever NCAA Championship in March.

Leon Marchand won the 400 IM, 500 free and 200 breaststroke at NCAAs in record fashion.

Leading off ASU’s 800 free relay, he became the first man ever under 1:29 in the 200 free. Switching his focus from the 200 IM to the 500 free, Marchand swam the fastest time ever by three seconds, deploying his powerful underwater dolphin kicking to an extent never before seen in the 20-lap race. He lowered his own mark in winning a third consecutive 200 breast title.

The French star will remain with coach Bowman, who has helped coach him to one of the world’s best.

“It makes it easier for me to coach with the French because they have no stipulations of me coaching other nationalities, which is a little different than with the U.S. team, which I certainly respect,” Bowman said. “It just makes sense for everybody.”

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Isabelle Fraser

17 days ago

Sounds like a great move.