The French team has secured its first medal at the 2026 European Swimming Championships. This Monday in Saint-Denis, the men's 4x200m freestyle relay team, composed of Léon Marchand, Sauveur Cristofini, Pierre Largeron, and Roman Fuchs, won the silver medal, finishing behind Great Britain. This second-place finish was achieved after a final marked by an exceptional performance from Léon Marchand. At 24 years old, the Frenchman swam his 200-meter leg in 1:43.76, achieving the fastest time in the world this year for the distance.
Léon Marchand is driving the stopwatch crazy
Running in a particularly young French relay team, Léon Marchand delivered a masterclass. During his 200-meter leg, the four-time Olympic champion from Paris 2024 repeatedly came close to the world record. His time of 1:43.76, achieved with a running start specific to relays, gives him the fastest time of the year under these conditions and puts France back in contention for a podium finish. The Frenchman thus confirms his excellent form on the very first day of these European Championships held at the Olympic Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis.
Cristofini, Largeron and Fuchs answered the call
But this silver medal truly belongs to the entire team. Alongside Marchand, Sauveur Cristofini, Pierre Largeron, and Roman Fuchs held their own against the best European nations. Sauveur Cristofini's performance is all the more remarkable given that the young Frenchman is only 16 years old. French champion in the 200m freestyle at the end of June, he is experiencing top-level international competition at the senior level for the first time in Saint-Denis. Roman Fuchs, tasked with anchoring the relay, held on in the final lengths to secure second place for France.
Great Britain denies France gold
Despite Léon Marchand's spectacular comeback, France ultimately couldn't catch Great Britain, who won and claimed the European title. The French team finished second, securing their first medal of the 2026 European Championships on the very first day of competition.
For Léon Marchand, this silver medal is above all the start of a highly anticipated week in Saint-Denis. The French star arrives at these European Championships with several events on the program and has already made a strong impression in his very first final.
