Leon Marchand Blasts 1:53.08 Effort in 200 Butterfly at Fort Lauderdale Open
The premier male swimmer in the world used the Fort Lauderdale Open to make a statement on Thursday night, as France’s Leon Marchand unloaded a stellar performance in the 200-meter butterfly. The reigning Olympic champion in the event, Marchand stopped the clock in 1:53.08, the top time in the world for 2026 by more than a second, and a suggestion of major fireworks to come this summer.
Historically, only 11 men have been faster than what Marchand produced at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center, and the Frenchman delivered the time in a midseason competition. Marchand split 25.01 for his opening 50 meters and turned at the midway point of the race in 53.63. He split 29.20 for his third lap and came home in a split of 30.25. He was followed to the wall by Carson Foster (1:55.09), one of his training partners at the University of Texas…