Marchand Joins Speedo As Global Ambassador
"The partnership will extend far beyond the pool. Léon will be deeply involved with product innovation, collaborating on future swimwear and equipment design for the next generation ... he will use his platform to champion swim culture on the global stage" - Speedo
Four-time Olympic Gold medallist at a home Games in Paris last year, Léon Marchand has joined Speedo as a global ambassador.
The French World record holder in the 200 and 400m medley and seven times World champion, Marchand is described by Speedo as ..
"a once-in-a-generation talent [who] is redefining what’s possible in the pool while inspiring audiences far beyond it. His rise from prodigy to global icon has been powered by talent, resilience, and an attitude that resonates with Speedo’s own DNA: not fearing failure, but instead, embracing it as fuel for progress."
The partnership is no new: Marchand has worn Speedos all his swimming life in a swimming family that boasts two swimming Olympians as his parents. Léon's rise to a thundering four golds at Paris 2024 was the culmination of a long journey that has already sailed past these Olympic Heights:
400IM
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The Double Dare
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200 'Fly
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200 breast
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200IM
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The Wrap
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At Singapore 2025 World Championships, he focussed on the 200 and 400m medley, and in the semi of the shorter race took down the 2010 World record of Ryan Lochte:
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"Far Beyond The Pool"
Today, Speedo notes:
Together, the partnership will extend far beyond the pool. Léon will be deeply involved with product innovation, collaborating on future swimwear and equipment design for the next generation of champions. With a profile that resonates far beyond competitive swimming, he will use his platform to champion swim culture on the global stage, inspiring new audiences and bringing fresh energy to the sport. As part of the Speedo family, Léon will also mentor the next generation of athletes, guiding and motivating young swimmers to reach their potential.
"Throughout his career, Marchand has emphasised the importance of balance both in and out of the pool stating." He says:
“I need that 60% confidence and 40% doubt if I want to swim fast-that mix drives me forward”. He also finds solace in his love for music, “I’ve learned how to manage myself and do things just for me. Having hobbies outside competition is vital. When I make music, there’s no ranking, no pressure-I’m doing it purely for myself.”
"On a shared ethos to failure as fuel for progress, Marchand states:
“Failure is no longer something I fear, I embrace it. When I lose a training set, it allows me to question myself and I work harder the next day. When you realise this, you’re no longer scared of losing anymore. You do things to get better, and it shows you just how far you can go”.
"The partnership comes on the heels of a history-making Olympic run that captured global headlines. He became the first Frenchman to claim multiple golds at a single Games, racking up four titles across the 200m breaststroke, butterfly, and medley, plus the 400m medley. Léon’s dominance didn’t stop there - he swept nine races at the 2024 Swimming World Cup and, in 2023, shattered the 200m medley world record with a time of 4:02.50, surpassing Michael Phelps’ long-standing record by 1.34 seconds.
"On joining Speedo, 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. 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.”
SVP / Director of Speedo Brand Strategy, Rob Ashcroft, added: “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. Together, we’ll push boundaries in and out of the water and be the undisputed leader in swim culture.”
