Fukuoka, Japan - In a remarkable feat at the World Aquatics Championships in FUKUOKA, Japan, the 22-year-old French swimmer, Leon Marchand, has achieved an extraordinary milestone.

On the first day of the event, Marchand shattered Michael Phelps' long-standing world record in the men's 400-meter individual medley, finishing in an impressive time of 4 minutes and 2.50 seconds. This achievement surpassed Phelps' previous record of 4:03.84, which had been set during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Marchand's accomplishment holds special significance as it marks the last individual world record that Phelps held before retiring from professional swimming after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. Coached by Bob Bowman, who was also the coach of the American team at the world championships, Marchand currently swims for Arizona State.

With this astonishing performance, he is poised to become a potential hometown superstar at the upcoming Paris Olympics in the following year. Moreover, Marchand is expected to be a favorite contender in the 200-meter individual medley event, further highlighting his exceptional talent and prospects in the world of competitive swimming.