Léon Marchand Sets New Record at 2025 World Aquatics Championships

In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, France's Léon Marchand shattered Ryan Lochte's long-standing record in the 200m individual medley during the semifinals of the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, held on July 30, 2025. Marchand finished with a time of 1:52.69, surpassing Lochte's previous record of 1:54.00 set during the 2011 World Championships. This performance comes on the heels of Marchand's historic four gold medals at the 2024 Olympics, solidifying his status as one of the premier swimmers in the world.

Marchand's achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also sets a new standard for future competitors in the event. "Breaking a record that has stood for over a decade is a testament to the hard work and dedication I have put into my training," Marchand stated after the race. His success in the 200m individual medley, having won gold in both the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, sets him up for a strong performance in the final scheduled for Thursday.

In a notable turn for Team USA, Luca Urlando triumphed in the 200m butterfly, earning the gold medal with a time of 1:51.87. This victory marks a significant achievement for American men's swimming, as no American male had medaled in this event since Michael Phelps' retirement in 2011. Urlando's win comes after overcoming a shoulder injury that sidelined him in 2022. "This gold medal means everything to me, especially after the challenges I faced," Urlando remarked following his race.

Adding to Team USA's successes, Jack Alexy set a new American record in the 100m freestyle preliminaries with a time of 46.81, narrowly beating the previous record held by Caeleb Dressel. Alexy's performance has raised expectations for the finals, especially following the unexpected elimination of favorite Pan Zhanle.

The 2025 World Aquatics Championships have seen a strong showing from the American women's team, with standout performances from swimmers like Gretchen Walsh and Katie Ledecky, both of whom have secured gold medals. However, the men's team faced early challenges due to illness affecting several athletes. Despite these setbacks, the team's resilience has been evident as they continue to compete.

As the championships progress, the focus remains on the finals for Marchand and Alexy, with both athletes poised to add to their accolades and further elevate the profile of competitive swimming on the world stage. The outcomes of these events will not only determine the individual legacies of these athletes but also the future trajectory of their respective national teams in international swimming competitions.