the essential
Toulouse’s multiple Olympic swimming champion, Léon Marchand, has resumed his daily training at the Castex swimming pool in Toulouse. On the program: lengths and muscle strengthening.
Toulouse’s darling is back! After shining in the Parisian pools this summer, Léon Marchand resumed training on Monday, September 16, at the Castex pool of the Nakache swimming pool. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon, the five-time Olympic medalist was able to swim for three hours with the other members of the Elite team, under the gaze of his coach Nicolas Castel. Many journalists tried to approach him. In vain. Michel Coloma and the champion’s coaches ensure the peace of mind of the Toulouse champion.
Also read:
Léon Marchand: “He’s pretty sharp, isn’t he?” We attended the Toulouse swimmer’s first training session after the Paris Olympics
A swimmer “happy to resume training” according to the general manager of the TOEC Dolphins and still as humble: “He is unchanged, still in simplicity. This morning, a few people were waiting for him to sign autographs. He played along and also took photos but we must leave him alone.”
If Léon remains the same, the club benefits from the aura of the young athlete. “Having seen what happened this summer has reinforced the motivation of many swimmers. It has brought happiness to everyone and it has given a boost to the level of registrations with an increase in demand of around 30%.”
Also read:
Paris 2024 Olympics: “I think he can do even better”… Back in Toulouse, Léon Marchand prepares for the World Cup
“A feeling of pride”
Olivia, 12, wouldn’t disagree. This Monday, after training, the young girl who has been at the club since she was 6, had a sparkle in her eyes as she talked about Léon Marchand. “This summer was incredible! I would like to participate in the Olympics when I’m older and seeing what Léon Marchand has accomplished gives me extra motivation. I am very proud to swim in this club.”
A feeling of pride shared by his swimming buddies. “It’s impressive to be in the same club as him,” enthuses Fleur, 11 years old. “This summer, during a competition, swimmers told me that I was so lucky. Here, we progress a lot thanks to the way the coaches work and what’s more, they are very nice!”
Athletes celebrated this Wednesday
Fans of the young swimmer will be able to come and greet him, as well as other Olympic champions, this Wednesday, September 18. The people of Toulouse are invited “to come and celebrate these heroes who made hearts beat faster by flying the flag for Toulouse and its metropolis during the Paris 2024 Games from 6:30 p.m.”
Among the athletes, in addition to Léon Marchand, Antoine Dupont and Nelson Epée, Ugo Didier, Lucas Mazur, Sofiane Oumiha, Billal Bennama, Guillaume Restes and Dimitri Pavadé, “will celebrate their exploits with the public, first from the balcony of the Capitole, then on the square as close as possible to the people of Toulouse”.
