Léon Marchand skips remaining events in Saint-Étienne due to adductor problems – Focus on European Championships start in Paris

Saint-Étienne – 30.06.2026: Léon Marchand has ended his participation in the remaining competitions of the Championnats de France in Saint-Étienne. The 22-year-old felt pain in his right adductor during the heats of the 200 m breaststroke and subsequently withdrew from further starts. The Fédération française de natation (FFN) confirmed on Sunday morning a medically justified withdrawal as a precaution. A serious lesion is currently not assumed internally, but final findings are still pending.

Already on June 29 Marchand had declined the 200 m breaststroke final after a strong performance in the 400 m individual medley. He briefly held his leg in the water, went for an examination and, together with his support team, decided against further exertion. The FFN’s technical director, Denis Auguin, spoke of a reduced probability of a serious injury. Imaging examinations will be carried out first and conservative treatment with rest is planned; the resumption of training is to be gradual and dependent on the clinical course.

For the French championships the withdrawal is a setback. The competition at the Piscine Raymond-Sommet serves as the final national performance check before the European Championships in Paris. Marchand had been billed as the main attraction, but the organizers are sticking to the schedule and the qualification criteria. Other medal contenders thus move further into focus, while the start lists were adjusted at short notice.

For Marchand medium-term planning is paramount. After the intensive season since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, managing load and recovery is central. His entourage emphasizes that a swift but controlled rehabilitation has priority in order not to jeopardize the chances of a start at the European Championships in Paris in August 2026. Overuse in the breaststroke can particularly strain the adductor; corresponding prevention and technique training therefore play a major role in preparation.

Adductor complaints are not uncommon in swimming. They are often caused by muscular overload; partial tears occur less frequently. Early diagnosis by ultrasound or MRI and a rehabilitation plan with progressive load increase are customary. The goal is to control pain quickly and avoid relapses.

The FFN announced it will report on examination results and the further timetable in the coming days. Until then the motto remains to avoid risks and keep the focus clearly on the continental championships in Paris.