Olympics legend Michael Phelps sends heartfelt message to French swimmer Leon Marchand who broke his world record

Swimming great Michael Phelps has heaped praise on Leon Marchand, the Frenchman lighting up his home Olympics this summer.

Marchand, who broke Phelps' last-remaining individual world record in 2023, has become one of the poster boys of this summer's Games.

He claimed his first gold medal with victory in the 400m individual medley in Paris, with Phelps filmed celebrating in the stands.

The American won a record 28 Olympic medals - including 23 golds - during a stellar career and now 22-year-old Marchand is building a legacy for himself in the pool.

The Frenchman has drawn comparisons to Phelps, with the pair even sharing a coach - American Bob Bowman. 

And, speaking to ESPN, Phelps was full of admiration for Marchand's achievements this summer.

'Nobody believed that I was able to do the things that I was trying to do, right? But I did, deep down inside, and it's same thing for him,' Phelps said on Tuesday.

'A lot of people said my records were never gonna be broken and untouched, but clearly it’s not that. And for me, I love it.

'I love being able to see a young man have a dream, go out there, put in the work and put together the pieces that give him a chance to do this.

Marchand broke Phelps' Olympic record, which had stood since Beijing 2008, as he roared to victory in the 400 IM. 

The American legend sent Marchand a video message after his gold medal and revealed that the 22-year-old has yet to respond.

'I understand, he's got a lot of things going on,' Phelps said. 'He understands what it takes, he is swimming with my old coach. Him and I have so many similarities.'

He added: 'The second night, in Paris, he rips a gold medal in front of his home country. Good god. It's a dream come true.