Saint-Denis, France – The newly constructed Olympic Aquatic Center in Saint-Denis is playing host to the Giant Open swimming competition this weekend, offering a first look at the venue ahead of the European Championships this summer. The event, beginning Friday, will see France’s top swimmers and international competitors test the waters in what serves as a crucial reconnaissance mission for the upcoming continental championships.
The Giant Open isn’t just a competition; it’s a dress rehearsal. While the full star power – including that of Léon Marchand – won’t be on display until August, the event provides valuable insight into the facility’s operational readiness. For those unfamiliar, Saint-Denis is a commune in the Seine-Saint-Denis department in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It’s a significant location for sporting events, and the Aquatic Center is a key legacy of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A Venue Transformed for European Competition
Significant changes are planned between now and the European Championships, scheduled for August 10-16, 2026. The seating capacity will nearly double to 5,000, and a temporary outdoor training pool will be added alongside the existing Olympic-built structure. This expansion is designed to accommodate the increased demand and provide optimal training conditions for athletes competing at the highest level.
The European Aquatics Championships in Paris are already generating considerable excitement, and the anticipation is fueled by the potential participation of athletes like Léon Marchand. The prospect of seeing Marchand compete in Paris has prompted expectations of sell-out crowds, according to reports. The championships represent a major opportunity for France to showcase its swimming prowess on home soil.
Marchand’s Path to Paris 2026
While Marchand won’t be competing at the Giant Open, his preparation for the European Championships and ultimately the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is well underway in the United States. The 23-year-old, a four-time Olympic champion, recently broke the world record in the 200m individual medley (1:52.69) at the World Championships in Singapore. He is currently based in Austin, Texas, training under Bob Bowman.
Marchand’s schedule includes participation in the World Cup series in Carmel, Indiana, in October, but he will skip the subsequent legs in Illinois and Canada to focus on training. A November altitude training camp in Colorado Springs is similarly planned, followed by a return to Austin for the US Open in December. This carefully structured plan aims to peak his performance for the European Championships and beyond.
Giant Open: A Preview of Things to Come
The Giant Open serves as a valuable opportunity to test the logistical aspects of hosting a major swimming event. From timing systems and scoring to spectator flow and media facilities, every detail will be scrutinized. The event allows organizers to identify and address any potential issues before the larger-scale European Championships arrive.
The Saint-Denis Aquatic Center, opened in June 2025, is already making a splash in the swimming world. It represents a significant investment in French aquatic sports and is poised to become a leading venue for national and international competitions. The facility’s design incorporates sustainable practices and aims to provide a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike.
For fans of swimming, the Giant Open and the upcoming European Championships offer a chance to witness the sport’s elite compete in a state-of-the-art facility. The energy surrounding these events is palpable, and the anticipation is building as Paris prepares to welcome the world’s best swimmers.
The European Aquatics Championships are scheduled to run from August 10th to August 16th, 2026. Keep an eye on Archysport for further updates on the event, including athlete profiles, schedules, and results as they become available.
