Coach Bob Bowman Hails 'Perfect' Leon Marchand as Frenchman Claims Fourth Gold

### Coach Bob Bowman Hails 'Perfect' Leon Marchand as Frenchman Claims Fourth Gold **By Reuters** *Aug. 3, 2024 7:09 am ET (Updated: Aug. 3, 2024 7:35 am ET)*

Leon Marchand's coach, Bob Bowman, lauded the French swimmer's performance as "perfect" after he clinched his fourth gold medal at the Paris Olympics. Marchand, 22, achieved a clean sweep in his events, winning the 400m IM, the 200m butterfly and 200m breaststroke on the same night, and the 200m IM on Friday, earning hero status in France and topping the medal charts among individual athletes.

"It's an incredible series of events. He did everything we could possibly expect of him in this environment," Bowman told reporters. "He handled himself perfectly between all the races. It was just a complete success." Bowman, known for coaching Olympic legend Michael Phelps, praised Marchand's meticulous preparation, including warm-ups, practice timings, recovery, and diet. He noted that the home crowd at La Defense Arena boosted Marchand, especially when he broke Phelps's 200m IM Olympic record from 2008.

Bowman sees a bright future for Marchand, suggesting he could excel in other events like the 100m butterfly as he grows stronger. However, for now, Marchand will take a well-deserved break to enjoy his achievements. "Leon is entering a new life situation with this fame," Bowman said. "He needs a mental and physical break. We'll get him started again in six weeks or so." ### More From Paris Olympics 2024 * [Schedule](#) * [Athletes](#) * [Medals](#) * [Results](#) * [Replays](#) * [Video](#) * [News](#) * [Track & Field](#) * [Swimming](#) * [Gymnastics](#) * [Basketball](#) * [Soccer](#) * [Team USA](#) **Login or create an NBCUniversal Profile**

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