Speedo, the international swimwear brand, has announced a new partnership with four-time Olympic Gold medallist and seven-time World Champion Léon Marchand, naming him a global ambassador.
The partnership comes after Marchand’s performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he became the first French swimmer to claim multiple golds at a single Games, winning four titles across the 200m breaststroke, butterfly, and medley, plus the 400m medley.
In 2023, he broke the 400m medley world record with a time of 4:02.50, surpassing Michael Phelps’s previous record. He also swept nine races at the 2024 Swimming World Cup.
The company stated that Marchand’s affinity with the brand – having worn Speedo since his earliest training sessions – made the collaboration a ‘natural evolution’.
Léon Marchand said “I’ve grown up with Speedo – it’s been with me every step of my journey. For me, not fearing failure is what drives success. This is something that’s been engrained in Speedo’s culture throughout its history, creating some of the most iconic moments in the sport.”
He added “Together we want to show the next generation failure is just part of the process to greatness, and open up an exciting new era for swimming.”
The partnership extends beyond the pool, with Marchand involved in product innovation, collaborating on future swimwear and equipment design. He will also use his platform to champion swim culture and mentor the next generation of athletes.
Rob Ashcroft, Senior Vice President / Director of Speedo Brand Strategy, said “Léon is not just an extraordinary athlete – he represents a bold new era for swimming. His attitude, his achievements, and his appeal beyond the pool align perfectly with Speedo’s mission to inspire more people to swim.”
Marchand has previously spoken about his view on competitive drive, stating, “I need that 60% confidence and 40% doubt if I want to swim fast–that mix drives me forward.”
He also noted the importance of hobbies outside competition, such as his love for music, to manage pressure. “When I make music, there’s no ranking, no pressure – I’m doing it purely for myself,” he said.
Léon Marchand’s focus is now on the LA 2028 Games.
