Léon Marchand rides post-Olympic wave into World Championships in Singapore
Despite his new status, the reserved Marchand had no say in the matter. He gave in to his older teammate's instructions and played along: chest out, sunglasses on, medals around his neck. Being close to the spectators wasn't entirely unpleasant, but behind his beaming smile was a hint of apprehension. "During the first week of the Olympics, I was focused on the competition. But in the second week, I realized that everything was going to change in my daily life in France," he later told several media outlets, including Le Monde, in April 2025.
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