Chartres (AFP)
The young Léon Marchand, 19, offered himself an Olympic ticket in the 400m medley with the manner by smashing his French record of more than five seconds at the French Championships, the last qualifying competition for the Tokyo Games, Tuesday at Chartres.
Marchand completed his race in 4 min 09 sec 65 for 4 min 15 sec 84 requested by the blue team, which represents the third best world performance of the season.
His previous record in France, 4 min 14 sec 97, only dated from the end of March, in Marseille.
The Toulousain is the sixth French swimmer qualified for the Tokyo Games (July 23-August 8), the first of this week of competition.
The five others who already had their sesame in their pockets are Florent Manaudou (50m), Marie Wattel (100m and 100 butterfly), Yohann Ndoye Brouard (100m backstroke and 200m backstroke), Mélanie Hénique (50m ) and David Aubry, him for his world podium (bronze) over 800 m in 2019.
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