Nike Signs Olympic Champion Léon Marchand in Major Endorsement

Nike has officially welcomed Léon Marchand, the prodigy redefining global swimming, to its roster of world-class athletes. At just 23, Marchand is already a legend in the making, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and five-time world champion whose story now syncs with Nike’s iconic drive for innovation and athletic excellence.

“I’ve always admired Nike: the energy, the culture, the values,” says Léon. “Joining this team is a dream and a new beginning.”

A Trailblazer in the Pool

Marchand’s résumé is nothing short of historic. At the 2024 Olympic Games, he dominated the field, clinching gold medals in the 200-meter breaststroke, 200-meter butterfly, 200-meter medley, and 400-meter medley, a feat that cemented him among swimming’s all-time greats. Beyond the Olympics, Léon has consistently topped the podium at the World Aquatics Championships, where in 2022 and 2023 he took home golds in both the 200- and 400-meter individual medley, and in 2023 added the 200-meter butterfly crown.

Further bolstering his status, Marchand conquered the 2024 Swimming World Cup, delivering a remarkable nine victories across various events. His current major international medal record includes:

• Olympic Games: 4 Golds (2024), 1 Bronze (2020)

• World Championships: 5 Golds (2022, 2023), numerous silvers and podium finishes

• World Cup: 9 Golds in 2024 alone

Each triumph showcases not just sheer athleticism but a relentless commitment to pushing the boundaries of human performance, parallel to Nike’s ethos.

Creativity in and Out of the Water

Léon Marchand is more than a swimmer. Away from the pool, he’s a creative explorer: producing music, dabbling in dance, and constantly seeking fresh ways to express movement and artistry. Known for his intellectual curiosity and willingness to challenge old models of high performance, Marchand represents a new breed of athlete, one who fosters cross-disciplinary thinking and draws inspiration from both sports and the arts.

His presence within the Nike family signals a celebration of multidimensional athletes, those for whom the journey of self-betterment extends far beyond the stopwatch.

A New Era for French Sporting Excellence

The alignment of Léon Marchand with Nike also highlights a pivotal time for French sport. Léon now joins Kylian Mbappé, the electric football star and FIFA World Cup champion, and Victor Wembanyama, basketball’s rising generational talent—both proud French athletes and Nike ambassadors. Together, this trio redefines what it means to be a competitor in the modern era. Each dominates his field individually, yet all embody a shared vision: breakthrough creativity, enduring focus, and a forward-thinking approach to their craft.

By bringing Marchand into their powerful network, Nike asserts its ongoing dedication to supporting the most promising athletes at every stage of their ascent.

Nike’s Unwavering Vision

Marchand’s new partnership appears at a defining moment, reinforcing Nike’s half-century tradition as the home of champions. From groundbreaking innovation in sports design to athlete empowerment and powerful storytelling, Nike continues to advance its mission: inspiring the next generation and driving progress by unleashing athletic potential on a global scale.

“It’s awesome for me, as a swimmer, to work with Nike to grow my sport with athletes and fans around the world,” Léon says. “That’s a really exciting challenge for me, and I know that my partnership with Nike will help me make an impact in swimming for years to come.”

Looking Forward

Léon Marchand’s arrival signals a new chapter for swimming, sport, and the Nike legacy. As he continues to shatter records and redefine what’s possible for a new wave of athletes, one thing is clear: the future of sport is brighter with his creativity, courage, and relentless drive at its center.