French swimmer Leon Marchand, five-time world champion, will dive into the pool at the Paris La Défense Arena on July 28 for the 400-metre medley that has been promised to him ever since he retained his world title last summer in Fukuoka, while smashing legend Michael Phelps’s last world record—Marchand’s record was 4.02.50 compared with Phelps’s 4.03.84 (in 2008). A feat that has already given him a new status, ahead of this quest for an incredible Olympic challenge that could see him become the first Frenchman to win four individual gold medals in a single edition of the Games (the 22-year-old is competing in the 400m freestyle, 200m butterfly, 200m breaststroke and 200m freestyle). Excerpts from an interview:
Q/ In two years, you have won five world titles and beaten Phelps’ world record. How has that changed your life?
A/ I don’t feel any different, I’ve just evolved. I’m a better version of myself, in the sense that I have more confidence in myself. When I make choices in my everyday life, I regret them a lot less than I used to. And that’s thanks to swimming. It doesn’t necessarily come from titles, but they validate what I do every day. This development has been a long road since I was a kid.
Q/ What do you mean by that?
Denne historien er fra August 04, 2024-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 04, 2024-utgaven av THE WEEK India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Hat-Trick Or Has-Beens?
India look to win their third straight Test series in Australia, but ageing superstars and recent humiliation at home have cast a shadow on their hopes
Constipation Can Put Your Heart At Risk
PEOPLE WITH CONSTIPATION have an increased risk of major cardiac events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, especially if they also have high blood pressure, finds an international study published in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology.
Too Much Sitting Can Accelerate Ageing
SITTING FOR EXTENDED PERIODS can harm the heart and accelerate ageing, even if you are young and get the minimum recommended amount of daily exercise, according to a US study published in the journal PLOS One.
Efficiency and innovation
As health care evolves, professionals must employ innovative methods to refine their skills
Level up
Only 30 per cent of needy patients are able to undergo transplant in India; we need more dedicated transplant centres
HOPE STEMS FROM A CELL
While stem cell therapies have shown success in treating blood disorders, orthopaedic ailments, autoimmune diseases and eye issues, there is hope that they can one day treat patients with heart disease, blindness, Parkinson's, HIV, diabetes and spinal cord injuries
Mind matters
Your mindset can limit or expand your physical ability
Cutting edge
Would you go under the knife if a robot was the one holding it? Or would you say, \"No way, I need a human touch\"? You might have to decide soon because a robot that can imitate skilled human surgeons is already here.
The smallest cut
Minimally invasive surgeries have a bright future, with virtual reality and 3D procedures offering greater precision and AI on the horizon
Signalling a revolution
Canadian scientist and entrepreneur Sachdev Sidhu is focused on bringing cutting-edge antibody engineering to his country of origin
