Amaury Leveaux
A French sprinter in the water who electrified the sport by breaking world records in three different freestyle and butterfly events.
Born 1985 (age 41)·French swimmer·Birthday: December 2·Millennials
Biography
Amaury Leveaux emerged from the small town of Delle to become a force of nature in the sprint lanes of world swimming. His career was defined by explosive power and a unique, lanky frame that seemed to knife through the water with startling efficiency. While Olympic gold remained elusive, his legacy was cemented in a blistering period where he held the world's fastest times in the 50m and 100m freestyle, as well as the 50m butterfly, showcasing a rare versatility. Leveaux was a central figure in a golden era for French men's swimming, contributing to relay medals that included a silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His approach combined raw talent with a relaxed, almost playful demeanor, making him a favorite among fans and a reminder that speed could come with a smile.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Amaury was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Amaury Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Amaury's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Former world record holder in the 100-meter freestyle.
- Former world record holder in the 50-meter freestyle.
- Former world record holder in the 50-meter butterfly.
- Won an Olympic silver medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Did You Know?
He stood 6 feet 8 inches tall, an exceptional height for a swimmer that contributed to his powerful stroke.
Leveaux once held the French record in the 200m freestyle, demonstrating range beyond his signature sprints.
He was known for his distinctive, straight-armed freestyle technique.
“In the water, I am only my time and the wall.”
