(2023 Getty Images)
Leon Marchand completed a hat-trick of gold medals after cruising to the men’s 200-metre individual medley title at the World Aquatics Championships 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan, on Thursday (27 July).
Marchand surged into the lead just before the 100 turn to clock 1 minute, 54.82 seconds. The Frenchman finished ahead of British Olympic gold medallists Duncan Scott (1:55.95) and Tom Dean (1:56.07).
"I feel amazing these four days. Very big for me,” said Marchand, who has also won the 400 IM and 200 butterfly at this meet.
“Very happy with the time and with the win today.”
Asked about his plans of bringing down the race’s world record, he said, "I will try my best.”
Marchand smashed Michael Phelps’ 400 IM record - which was the oldest world record in swimming - on opening night of these championships and has not looked back.
The 21-year-old, however, was modest about his feat here following another scorching victory, a personal best.
“It’s the first time I go under 1:55. It’s better than last year so I’m happy,” he said. “We need to analyze the race but I think if I can start faster it’s doable.
“In the breaststroke and free, it’s already pretty good though I still need some power to end the free.
"Now I’m going to be able to savor this. I kept all my emotions to me to save some energy, but now I’m going be happy to be on vacation and I will enjoy all that.”