After more than two decades, Michael Phelps has lost an individual world record in swimming. Leon Marchand, a 21-year-old French swimmer, broke Phelps’ last standing record in the 400 meters individual medley at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukoka, Japan. He finished the race in 4:02.50, beating the old record by 1.34 seconds. Marchand described it as a grueling experience and said, “The best is yet to come.” Phelps was present at the race and congratulated Marchand. (Watch it here.)
Sports Illustrated states that this marks the start of the “Leon Marchand Era.” Phelps initially set the record in 2002 as a 17-year-old in what is considered swimming’s most challenging race. He kept breaking his own record, with the last time being in 2008. Phelps held onto the record for 20 years and 342 days, setting another record in itself. Phelps was in Japan as a broadcast analyst and even suggested the possibility of Marchand swimming the event in under 4 minutes someday. When Marchand broke his record, Phelps reacted with a simple acknowledgement, “Uh oh, it’s gone.” (Read more Michael Phelps stories.)
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