Four-time Olympic gold medallist superstar, and the back-to-back 2024 and 2025 World Aquatics Male Swimmer of the Year Leon Marchand has joined the World Aquatics Foundation as its first ambassador.
The World Aquatics Foundation was established in 2025 to address key global challenges in aquatic sports from grassroots to the elite level, including the development of athletes, water safety and environmental sustainability.
It provides direct support through the World Aquatics Scholarships for athletes from around the world based at World Aquatics Training Centres, ensuring equitable access to world-class facilities and coaching.
The Discover Water programme aims to reduce drowning incidents globally, developing and training local experts to help teach essential swimming skills and water safety to children and families. The Foundation is also looking at partnerships with other non-governmental organisations working in this area to expand its reach.
The World Aquatics Foundation additionally implements and supports water-related environmental projects, working to protect and restore water ecosystems so they remain clean and accessible for future generations.
This work directly supports the goals of the World Aquatics Sustainability Blueprint, also launched last year, which reflects World Aquatics’ commitment to reducing the organisation’s environmental footprint, promoting social responsibility and embedding action into all areas of its operation.
Marchand has been a passionate supporter of initiatives which improve access to swimming, including the launch of his project Milomano in Madagascar last October, supported by the World Aquatics Foundation.
His profile as one of the biggest stars in an exciting era of swimming will help to amplify the World Aquatics Foundation’s vital work across communities worldwide.
“I'm honoured to join the World Aquatics Foundation as an ambassador,” Marchand said.
“I know myself just how much joy, purpose and community people can get from taking part in aquatic sports, and I’m pleased to be able to advocate for this even further as a Foundation ambassador. The Foundation's work in supporting young athletes from developing countries, teaching essential swimming skills and protecting our aquatic environments is inspiring.
“I'm excited to help ensure the next generation of athletes have the chance to pursue their dreams, no matter where they are from.”
The 23-year-old Marchand emerged as the face of France’s home Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, winning gold medals in the Men’s 200m Breaststroke, Butterfly and Individual Medley, and the 400m Individual Medley.
He followed it with another stellar season in 2025, breaking the 200m Individual Medley World Record on his way to winning two gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships – Singapore 2025.
Through this partnership, Marchand will promote the activities of the World Aquatics Foundation on his social media channels and at events throughout 2026.