2025 World Aquatics Championships: Leon Marchand Shatters Ryan Lochte’s Record While Luca Urlando Claims Gold in Butterfly

It’s no surprise that Léon Marchand from France is making waves in swimming. At the 2024 Olympics, he grabbed four gold medals, solidifying his status as a top athlete. He recently made headlines by setting a new record in the 200m individual medley, finishing in 1:52.69. This smashed Ryan Lochte’s previous record of 1:54.00, set back in 2011.

As he heads into the finals, Marchand is aiming for his third gold in this category, having already won at the World Championships in 2022 and 2023.

In another exciting event, Luca Urlando clinched gold in the 200m butterfly. This victory is especially significant since no American man secured a medal in this event since Michael Phelps retired in 2011. Urlando’s winning time was 1:51.87, overcoming competitors like Poland’s Krzysztof Chmielewski and Australia’s Harrison Turner.

Urlando’s path to gold hasn’t been easy. A shoulder injury in 2022 set him back, but he’s resilient and ready for more. His victory marks a turning point for Team USA, which faced challenges earlier in the championships due to swimmer illnesses. Fortunately, they bounced back, with standout performances from female swimmers like Gretchen Walsh and Katie Ledecky.

Jack Alexy also shone during the 100m freestyle prelims. He set a new American record with a time of 46.81, beating the previous record held by Caeleb Dressel from 2019. Though he still needs to compete in the final, Alexy’s strong showing has put him in a good position for a potential medal.

These young athletes not only showcase personal determination but also represent a new era in U.S. swimming. Their performances suggest a bright future for the sport, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm. As fans watch, it’s clear that both Marchand and Urlando, among others, are ready to redefine swimming history.

For more details on current swimming records and statistics, you can visit the World Aquatics official site.

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Leon Marchand, Ryan Lochte, gold medals, World Championships, Kyle Sockwell, Luca Urlando, Marchand, 200m butterfly