Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Duplantis says Marchand deserved to win as much as he did

France’s four-time Paris 2024 swimming champion Leon Marchand, nominated for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, earned a tribute from eventual winner Mondo Duplantis. Credit: Andy Chua/World Aquatics

Leon Marchand, one of five nominees for this year’s Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, received high praise at last night’s ceremony in Madrid from the eventual winner, Mondo Duplantis.

The 25-year-old Swedish pole vaulter, who retained his Olympic title with a world record...