Written July 30, 2025, 15:00 EDT

French swimmer Léon Marchand made history at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore by breaking the world record in the men’s 200-meter individual medley. The 23-year-old clocked a time of 1:52.69 in the semifinals—1.31 seconds faster than the previous record held by American Olympic legend Ryan Lochte since 2011.

This performance not only sets a new global benchmark in the sport but also positions Marchand as the clear favorite heading into the final, where he will aim to secure his sixth world title and continue his remarkable winning streak since the 2024 Paris Olympics.

A new era in swimming: Marchand eclipses Lochte’s legacy

Ryan Lochte’s 200m individual medley record of 1:54.00, set at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, had stood unchallenged for over a decade. It was widely considered one of the toughest records in men’s swimming due to the technical demands of the medley, which combines butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle in a single race.

Marchand’s time of 1:52.69 marks a seismic shift in the event’s standards and underscores the evolution of competitive swimming in recent years. The performance also highlights Marchand’s extraordinary ability to maintain high pace and composure across all four strokes.

“What’s crazy is that it’s a whole second faster… and it’s still hard to believe,” Marchand told World Aquatics after the race. “A 1:52 on the 200m—that’s insane. I’m so happy. It’s just incredible.”

A comeback after early-season injuries

Marchand’s record-setting swim is particularly notable considering his slow start to the season due to injuries. The French star returned to competitive action only in May, raising questions about his fitness and form ahead of the World Championships.

However, his recent performances have silenced any doubts. After dominating in the preliminary heats, Marchand delivered a career-best swim in the semifinals, setting a world record without even reaching top gear.

“Over the last 50 meters, I still had people to chase,” Marchand said. “I tried to build that last lap well and went all out. It was really tough, obviously, because I was going at such a fast pace.”

Dominance on the global stage

Marchand has rapidly built a reputation as one of the world’s most versatile and dominant swimmers. At just 23, he already holds 22 major international medals, including 18 golds across the Olympic Games and World Championships.

He is the reigning Olympic and two-time world champion in the 200m individual medley and continues to improve his times, race strategy, and execution with each major competition.

Marchand is also set to compete in the 400-meter individual medley final on Sunday, an event where he remains a top contender. Based on his current form, more records may be within reach.

A key moment for French swimming

Marchand’s continued success marks a golden era for French swimming. Coming off the momentum of a strong performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he won four gold medals, Marchand has emerged as the new face of French aquatics.

His dominance across both middle-distance medley events has provided inspiration to a new generation of swimmers in France and around the world. His technical efficiency, powerful turns, and strategic pacing have set new benchmarks for elite swimmers to aspire to.

What’s next for Marchand?

With Thursday’s final still to come, Marchand has the opportunity to lower the world record even further and add another world title to his growing collection. His performances in Singapore are being closely watched by fans and fellow athletes alike, as many anticipate even greater achievements in the coming seasons.

As swimming continues to evolve with advanced training, analytics, and sports science, Marchand’s achievements represent the cutting edge of what’s possible in the sport.

His next race, the 200m individual medley final, is scheduled for Thursday evening in Singapore. All eyes will be on the French star to see whether he can make history yet again.

Record-breaking performance: At a glance

• Event: Men’s 200m Individual Medley Semifinal
• Competition: World Aquatics Championships 2025
• Location: Singapore
• Swimmer: Léon Marchand (France)
• Time: 1:52.69 (New World Record)
• Previous Record: 1:54.00 by Ryan Lochte (USA) in 2011
• Final Scheduled: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Source: CNN – Léon Marchand breaks long-standing 200-meter individual medley world record at World Aquatics Championships

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