Swimming Stars to Watch Today (and Tomorrow)

Every generation has its swimming legends. With the Paris 2024 Olympic Games upon us, several swimmers have established themselves as the benchmarks of tomorrow. Here are the top figures to watch, both French and international.

Léon Marchand – The French phenomenon

At the Paris Olympics, Léon Marchand made history by winning four individual gold medals (200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke, 200m medley, 400m medley), setting several Olympic records.

He became the first French swimmer to achieve this feat and remains one of the few in the history of the sport to achieve this feat .
Voted Swimmer of the Year 2024 by World Aquatics, he is making his mark on the circuit .

Summer McIntosh – The exceptional young Canadian

At just 18 years old, Summer McIntosh shone in Paris with a silver medal in the 400m freestyle , then two gold medals in the 400m and 200m medley , all while breaking the Olympic butterfly record.

She becomes the first Canadian to win three medals at the Summer Olympics in a single edition, and wins the title of Swimmer of the Year 2024 .

David Popovici – The sprinter of pure speed

After his world title in the 200m freestyle, David Popovici confirmed his dominance by winning the gold medal in the 200m , and the historic bronze medal in the 100m freestyle , at the age of 17.
In June 2025, he further improved his European 100m record to 46.71 s, becoming the second fastest time in history behind Pan Zhanle.

Other names to remember

• Mollie O'Callaghan (Australia) : Olympic 200m freestyle champion, leader of the women's relays

• Thomas Ceccon (Italy) : world record holder in the 100m backstroke. He strengthened his position on the podium in Paris. Ariarne Titmus (Australia) : double Olympic champion (400m freestyle & 4x200m) in Paris, but on a post-Olympic health break

Why follow them?

These athletes exemplify technical excellence, mental consistency and performance evolution in swimming:

• Marchand embodies versatility and French renewal .

• McIntosh represents the future generation in bright times .

• Popovici defies the laws of sprinting, breaking record after record .
  Their journey inspires, illuminates technical progress, and heralds the future of sport.

In summary

The Paris Games have highlighted some exceptional champions. Their age, style, and performances make them essential figures. Marchand, McIntosh, and Popovici are already shaping the future of swimming. And if you enjoy stories of surpassing yourself, these talents promise a future filled with records and excitement.