Exhausted Leon Marchand Withdraws from 2024 Short-Course World Championships
French swimming sensation and four-time Olympic champion Leon Marchand has announced his decision to withdraw from the 2024 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Budapest, citing exhaustion after a demanding year. The event is set to take place from December 10–15.
In an Instagram story, Marchand shared his reasons for stepping back. “2024 was really intense. I’ve done a lot of big competitions, and I’m exhausted,” he wrote. “It’s time for me to step back, train hard, and start preparing for future challenges. I know you will understand, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Marchand was a standout star of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he secured five medals, including four individual golds in the 200m breaststroke, 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley, and 400m individual medley. He also impressed on the World Cup circuit in Incheon, South Korea, and Singapore, winning multiple events and setting a new 200m IM world record.
The 22-year-old swimmer has been training in France under Nicolas Castel since the conclusion of the Olympics. He joins other prominent Olympic gold medalists, including Italy’s Niccolò Martinenghi and Thomas Ceccon, as well as Australia’s Kaylee McKeown, in opting out of the championships.
Marchand’s decision to focus on recovery and future goals highlights the intense demands placed on elite athletes, particularly after a year filled with significant achievements and global competitions. Fans are already anticipating his return to the pool as he sets his sights on new challenges.
