Quadruple Paris 2024 champion Leon Marchand has pulled out of the final three days of the French Championships to have further treatment on the adductor muscle injury to his right leg which emerged as a problem during yesterday’s 200m breaststroke heats.
The US-based 24-year-old, who has been training at the National Institute of Sport, Exercise and Performance (INSEP) this month, felt pain during his race and while he managed to qualify for last night’s B final he withdrew in order to seek medical attention.
A French Swimming Federation (FFN) press release read: “Léon is forced to withdraw from the rest of the 2026 French Championships due to pain in his right adductor during the 200-meter breaststroke heats.
“During the third 50 meters of his heat, Léon felt a sharp pain in the adductor major of his right leg. Although initial examinations (ultrasound and MRI) did not reveal any major abnormalities, a lesion is suspected.
“In order to avoid any aggravation and to preserve his health, Léon has decided, in agreement with his technical and medical staff, not to continue the competition. Léon will now be taken care of at INSEP by the French team doctor for additional examinations and follow-up.”
Marchand made a splash on the opening day of competition in Saint Etienne as he won the 400m individual medley in 4:04.56, the fastest time of the season and the fifth-fastest time in history.
He was entered in a further five events at the Championships, which conclude on Thursday, June 2 – the 200 breaststroke, the 200m freestyle, the 200 individual medley, the 400m freestyle and the 200m butterfly.
Marchand’s place at the European Aquatics Championships Paris 2026, where swimming takes place from August 10 to 16, is not in doubt given that he has already qualified in one event and there are two potential avenues for him to add events to his schedule.
But there will inevitably be anxiety about the swimmer who is the central poster boy of this summer’s event in the French capital.
Fingers are also crossed for another French world champion, Maxime Grousset, who had to miss the national championships after breaking a bone in his foot while training earlier this month.
Mike Rowbottom for European Aquatics
