Léon Marchand, all in control, climbs to the final of the 200m butterfly

As a mere formality. Vice world champion of the discipline in Budapest last year, Léon Marchand qualified on Tuesday 25 July for the final of the 200m butterfly at the World Championships in Fukuoka (Japan). Assigned to lane number 6, the Toulouse rider easily won the second semi-final with a time of 1’54 “21. That is more than a second less than in the morning heats where he preferred to gain time, settling for 7th fastest time (1’55”46).

“I’m not at 120% yet because it’s not the final but I really hurt everywhere so it’s that I’m used to it well”the 21-year-old swimmer reacted after qualifying. In the absence of reigning 200m butterfly world champion Hungary’s Kristof Milak, Léon Marchand has the opportunity to give the tricolor clan a second gold charm on Wednesday, three days after deleting Michael Phelps’ world record in the 400m medley.

The other semifinal was dominated by Carson Foster (1’53″85). “Usually when we’re together, we do the best races alone, so I’m happyamused the Frenchman, who will be next to his American rival in the final. He’s really fit, it will be a good challenge.”