Michael Phelps watches final individual swimming record shattered by French phenom: 'That was insane'

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

No one can ever take away Michael Phelps’ gold medals – 23, if you’ve counted – but his final individual world record was shattered by 21-year-old Leon Marchand of France during the 2023 World Aquatics Championships on Sunday.

Phelps had the headset on calling the 400-meter individual medley, for which he owned the record at 4.03.84 that was set at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Phelps earned himself eight gold medals during that Olympics, breaking seven world records in the process.

Marchand ended up edging out the world record, finishing butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle in order in 4.02.50 to win gold in Fukuoka, Japan.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Michael Phelps reacts during the medal ceremony for the Men's 400m Individual Medley Final during the Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships at Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A on July 23, 2023, in Fukuoka, Japan. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

"That was insane, one of the most painful things I’ve done," Marchand said via the New York Post. "It was amazing to do it here and the time is crazy.

"The best is yet to come."

MICHAEL PHELPS SAYS CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING LIA THOMAS IS ‘VERY COMPLICATED,’ CALLS FOR LEVEL PLAYING FIELD

Phelps was seen at the winner’s podium after the race and holding up Marchand’s hand in victory, accepting that he just watched history, and with it, his final record falling from the top.

He did so with grace and a smile on his face.

"I’m just pumped about this swim. Oh, my gosh!" Phelps was heard during the broadcast as he stood up and clapped as Marchand made his way to the pool wall to finish the race.

Marchand and Phelps do