The first world record in the 100 metres freestyle in

long course An Olympic-size swimming pool conforms to regulated dimensions that are large enough for international competition. This type of swimming pool is used in the Olympic Games, where the race course is in length, typically referred to as "long cour ...

(50 metres) swimming was recognised by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in 1905. In the

short course In swimming, the term short course (abbreviated SC) is used to identify a pool that is in length. The term is also often included in meet names when conducted in a short course pool. "Short course" is the second type of pool configuration curren ...

(25 metres) swimming events, the world's governing body recognizes world records since 3 March 1991. Times have consistently dropped over the years due to better training techniques, new developments in the sport and swimwear changes (e.g. Goggles were not widely used until the 1970s, providing for considerable expansion of practice/training time.) In the first four Olympics, competitions were not held in pools, but rather in open water (1896 – The Mediterranean Sea, 1900 – The Seine River, 1904 – an artificial lake, 1906 – The Mediterranean Sea). The 1904 Olympics freestyle race was the only one ever measured at 100 yards, instead of the usual 100 metres. A 100-metre pool was built for the

1908 Olympics The 1908 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the IV Olympiad and also known as London 1908) were an international multi-sport event held in London, England, United Kingdom, from 27 April to 31 October 1908. The 1908 Games were ori ...

and sat in the centre of the main stadium's track and field oval. The 1912 Olympics, held in the Stockholm harbour, marked the beginning of electronic timing. Male swimmers wore full body suits up until the 1940s, which caused more drag in the water than their modern swim-wear counterparts. Also, over the years, pool designs have lessened the drag. Some design considerations allow for the reduction of swimming resistance making the pool faster. Namely, proper pool depth, elimination of currents, increased lane width, energy absorbing racing lane lines and gutters, and the use of other innovative hydraulic, acoustic and illumination designs. In 2008, leading up to the Olympics, Speedo introduced a 50% Polyurethane suit dubbed LZR. Pure polyurethane suits from Arena (

X-Glide Arena X-Glide is a swimsuit from the Arena brand, made of pure polyurethane that causes a swimmer to slide through water faster when swimming. One notable example of the efficacy of this suit design is that of Paul Biedermann of Germany who wore ...

), Adidas (Hydrofoil) and Italian suit manufacturer, Jaked were thought to be largely responsible for the multiple World Records in 2009 including at the

2009 World Aquatics Championships The 2009 World Aquatics Championships ( it, Campionati mondiali di nuoto 2009) or the XIII FINA World Championships were held in Rome, Italy from 18 July to 2 August 2009. The 2009 Championships featured competition in all 5 aquatics disciplin ...

(dubbed the "Plastic Games"). FINA announced a ban on non-textile suits that took effect in January 2010. The 1924 Summer Olympics were the first to use the standard 50 metre pool with marked lanes. In the freestyle, swimmers originally dived from the pool walls, but diving blocks were eventually incorporated at the 1936 Summer Olympics. The

tumble turn A tumble turn or flip turn is one of the turns in swimming, used to reverse the direction in which the person is swimming. It is done when the swimmer reaches the end of the swimming pool but still has one or more lengths to swim. The technique's ...

("flip-turn") was developed by the 1950s. Graphic data for World Record Progression in Men and Women Swimming 50m-100m-200m

Men

Long course

#: Swim was never ratified by FINA as a world record, as Bernard wore an unapproved swimsuit.

Short course

Women

Long course

Short course

, -

All-time top 25

Men long course

*Correct as of August 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 47.59: *

David Popovici David Popovici (; born 15 September 2004) is a Romanian competitive swimmer who specializes in freestyle events. He is the current holder of the world record in the long course 100-metre freestyle and the junior world record in the long course ...

also swam 46.98 (2022), 47.07 (2022), 47.13 (2022, 2022), 47.20 (2022), 47.23 (2022), 47.30 (2021), 47.34 (2022), 47.37 (2022), 47.54 (2022), 47.56 (2021), 47.58 (2022). *

Caeleb Dressel Caeleb Remel Dressel (born August 16, 1996) is an American professional swimmer who specializes in freestyle, butterfly, and individual medley events. He swims representing the Cali Condors as part of the International Swimming League. He won ...

also swam 47.02 (2021), 47.17 (2017), 47.22 (2017), 47.23 (2021), 47.26 (2017, 2021), 47.32 (2019), 47.34 (2019), 47.35 (2019), 47.39 (2021). * Cesar Cielo also swam 47.09 (2009), 47.39 (2009), 47.48 (2009). *

Alain Bernard Alain Bernard (; born 1 May 1983) is a former French swimmer from Aubagne, Bouches-du-Rhône. Bernard won a total of four medals (two golds, one silver, and one bronze) at two Olympic Games (2008 and 2012). He also won numerous medals at the W ...

also swam 47.12 (2009), 47.20 (2008), 47.21 (2008), 47.27 (2009), 47.50 (2008). *

Eamon Sullivan Eamon Wade Sullivan (born 30 August 1985) is an Australian former sprint swimmer, three-time Olympic medallist, and former world record-holder in two events. He was also the winner of the first season of '' Celebrity MasterChef Australia'', an ...

also swam 47.24 (2008), 47.32 (2008), 47.52 (2008), 47.55 (2008). * Frederick Bousquet also swam 47.25 (2009). *

Kliment Kolesnikov Kliment Andreyevich Kolesnikov ( rus, Климент Андреевич Колесников, , klʲɪˈmʲent kɐˈlʲesʲnʲɪkəf; born 9 July 2000) is a Russian swimmer. He holds world junior records in eight events: 50/100/200 back in lon ...

also swam 47.31 (2021), 47.37 (2021), 47.44 (2021), 47.53 (2021). *

Kyle Chalmers Kyle Chalmers, (born 25 June 1998) is an Australian competitive swimmer. He is a world record holder in the short course 100 metre freestyle, 4×100 metre medley relay, and long course 4×100 metre mixed freestyle relay. He is the Oceanian ...

also swam 47.35 (2019), 47.36 (2022), 47.37 (2019), 47.48 (2019), 47.51 (2022), 47.58 (2016, 2019), 47.59 (2021). *

Ryan Held Ryan Held (born June 27, 1995) is an American freestyle swimmer who specializes in the sprint events, and is currently sponsored by Arena. He holds the U.S. Open record in the long course 100 meter freestyle and three world records in short ...

also swam 47.43 (2019). * Alessandro Miressi also swam 47.46 (2021), 47.52 (2021), 47.53 (2021). * James Magnussen also swam 47.49 (2011), 47.53 (2012, 2013), 47.59 (2014). *

Stefan Nystrand Stefan Nystrand (born 20 October 1981 in Haninge) is a freestyle swimmer from Sweden. Biography His father Sture Nystrand is a Swede and his mother Smiljana Kokeza is a Croat from Split. Nystrand, a short course (25 m) specialist, has won f ...

also swam 47.52 (2009), 47.53 (2009). * Maxime Grousset also swam 47.54 (2022). *

Brent Hayden Brent Matthew Hayden (born October 21, 1983) is a Canadian competitive swimmer. Representing Canada for a decade, Hayden is regarded as the fastest swimmer in Canadian history. Hayden won a bronze medal in the 100 m freestyle at the 2012 Summer ...

also swam 47.56 (2008). *

Cameron McEvoy Cameron McEvoy (born 13 May 1994) is an Australian competitive swimmer who represented his country at the 2012 Summer Olympics, 2016 Summer Olympics and 2020 Summer Olympics. Career Junior At the 2011 World Junior Championships in Lima, Peru ...

also swam 47.56 (2016). *

David Walters David Lee Walters (born November 20, 1951) is an American politician who was the 24th governor of Oklahoma from 1991 to 1995. Born in Canute, Oklahoma, Walters was a project manager for Governor David Boren and the youngest executive officer w ...

also swam 47.59 (2009).

Men short course

*Correct as of December 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 45.78: *

also swam 45.03 (2021), 45.16 (2022), 45.50 (2021), 45.53 (2021), 45.54 (2018), 45.55 (2019, 2022), 45.65 (2021), 45.66 (2022), 45.69 (2021), 45.70 (2021), 45.73 (2021, 2021), 45.77 (2019), 45.78 (2018). *

Amaury Leveaux Amaury Raymond Leveaux (born 2 December 1985) is a French swimmer from Belfort. Leveaux is a former world record holder in the 100 m freestyle (short course – 44.94 sec), the 50 m freestyle (short course – 20.48 sec), and the 50 m butte ...

also swam 45.12 (2008), 45.56 (2009), 45.76 (2008). * Vladimir Morozov also swam 45.16 (2018), 45.23 (2017), 45.30 (2018), 45.51 (2014), 45.52 (2012), 45.53 (2019), 45.56 (2017), 45.57 (2016), 45.64 (2013, 2018), 45.65 (2012, 2013, 2017), 45.66 (2018), 45.67 (2013), 45.68 (2012, 2013), 45.69 (2018), 45.74 (2013), 45.77 (2016). *

also swam 45.18 (2020), 45.20 (2020), 45.22 (2019), 45.47 (2021), 45.56 (2020), 45.62 (2018), 45.66 (2018), 45.69 (2019), 45.75 (2019). * Alessandro Miressi also swam 45.58 (2021), 45.74 (2022). * Maxime Grousset also swam 45.58 (2022), 45.61 (2022), 45.77 (2022). * Jordan Crooks also swam 45.61 (2022). *

Danila Izotov Danila Sergeevich Izotov (russian: Данила Сергеевич Изотов; born 2 October 1991) is a Russian swimmer, a member of the Russian National team since 2008, and a multiple medalist at the Olympic Games and World Championships, as ...

also swam 45.70 (2009). *

also swam 45.73 (2009). *

also swam 45.75 (2009). * César Cielo also swam 45.75 (2014). *

also swam 45.75 (2021).

Women long course

*Correct as of June 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 52.99: * Cate Campbell also swam 52.06 (2016), 52.12 (2019), 52.33 (2013), 52.34 (2013, 2019), 52.35 (2019), 52.37 (2018, 2018), 52.38 (2016, 2016), 52.41 (2016), 52.43 (2019, 2021), 52.44 (2019), 52.51 (2019), 52.52 (2021), 52.59 (2021), 52.61 (2018, 2019), 52.62 (2014), 52.64 (2018, 2019), 52.68 (2014, 2014), 52.69 (2013, 2015, 2018), 52.71 (2016, 2019, 2021), 52.72 (2014), 52.76 (2019), 52.78 (2016, 2017, 2019, 2021), 52.80 (2021), 52.82 (2015), 52.83 (2013, 2021), 52.84 (2015, 2015), 52.85 (2016, 2021), 52.87 (2019, 2020), 52.89 (2014), 52.92 (2013), 52.96 (2015, 2019), 52.97 (2016). *

Sarah Sjöström Sarah Fredrika Sjöström (; born 17 August 1993) is a Swedish competitive swimmer specialising in the sprint freestyle and butterfly events. She is the current world record holder in the 50 metre freestyle (long course), the 100 metre freestyle ...

also swam 52.08 (2017), 52.23 (2019), 52.28 (2017), 52.31 (2017), 52.43 (2019), 52.44 (2017), 52.46 (2019), 52.54 (2017), 52.60 (2017), 52.62 (2021), 52.67 (2014, 2018), 52.68 (2021), 52.70 (2015), 52.73 (2014), 52.76 (2019), 52.77 (2018, 2018), 52.78 (2015, 2016), 52.80 (2022), 52.82 (2016, 2019, 2021), 52.86 (2017), 52.87 (2013), 52.89 (2013), 52.91 (2021), 52.93 (2018), 52.95 (2021), 52.97 (2015, 2019), 52.99 (2016, 2018). * Emma McKeon also swam 52.13 (2021), 52.19 (2021), 52.29 (2021), 52.32 (2021), 52.35 (2021), 52.41 (2019), 52.46 (2020), 52.49 (2021), 52.59 (2021), 52.71 (2021), 52.75 (2019), 52.77 (2019), 52.80 (2016), 52.84 (2019), 52.94 (2022), 52.95 (2021). * Britta Steffen also swam 52.22 (2009), 52.56 (2009), 52.85 (2009), 52.87 (2009). * Simone Manuel also swam 52.27 (2017), 52.54 (2018), 52.66 (2018), 52.69 (2017), 52.70 (2016). *

Siobhan Haughey Siobhán is a female given name of Irish origin. The most common anglicisations are Siobhan (identical to the Irish spelling but omitting the acute accent over the 'a'), Shevaun and Shivaun. A now uncommon spelling variant is Siubhán. It is de ...

also swam 52.40 (2021), 52.70 (2021), 52.92 (2021). *

Bronte Campbell Bronte Campbell (born 14 May 1994) is a Malawian-born Australian competitive swimmer, a dual Olympic gold-medal winner and world champion. Her older sister, Cate, is also a competitive swimmer, and once held world records in both the short and ...

also swam 52.52 (2015), 52.58 (2016), 52.84 (2019), 52.85 (2017, 2019), 52.86 (2014), 52.96 (2018), 52.98 (2015). * Mollie O'Callaghan also swam 52.63 (2022), 52.67 (2022), 52.70 (2022), 52.83 (2022), 52.85 (2022). *

Penny Oleksiak Penelope Oleksiak (born June 13, 2000) is a Canadian competitive swimmer. Her country's most decorated Olympian, Oleksiak rose to fame during the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she became the first Canadian to win four medals in the same Summer Gam ...

also swam 52.70 (2016), 52.72 (2016), 52.86 (2021), 52.89 (2021), 52.94 (2017), 52.95 (2021), 52.98 (2022). * Pernille Blume also swam 52.72 (2018), 52.83 (2018), 52.96 (2021), 52.97 (2018), 52.99 (2017). *

Mallory Comerford Mallory Comerford (born September 6, 1997) is an American competitive swimmer specializing in freestyle events. Comerford was the winner of five gold medals at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships. She won USA Swimming's Golden Goggle Award ...

also swam 52.77 (2017), 52.81 (2017), 52.85 (2017), 52.94 (2018), 52.98 (2019). * Ranomi Kromowidjojo also swam 52.78 (2017). *

Femke Heemskerk Frederike Johanna Maria "Femke" Heemskerk (; born 21 September 1987) is a former Dutch competitive swimmerAnna Hopkin also swam 52.83 (2021). * Libby Trickett also swam 52.84 (2009), 52.88 (2008), 52.93 (2009), 52.95 (2009), 52.99 (2009). * Taylor Ruck also swam 52.85 (2018), 52.96 (2017). *

Shayna Jack Shayna Jack (born 6 November 1998) is an Australian swimmer. She competed at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships, where she won two silver and two bronze medals in the relay events. From 2019 to 2021, Jack served a 24 month suspension uphel ...

also swam 52.88 (2022). * Torri Huske also swam 52.96 (2022). *

Madison Wilson Madison Maree Wilson, (born 31 May 1994) is an Australian competitive swimmer who has participated in backstroke and freestyle events at the Olympic Games and the FINA world championships. Wilson has been a member of three world record Aust ...

also swam 52.99 (2022).

Women short course

*Correct as of December 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 51.65: *

also swam 50.77 (2017), 50.99 (2017), 51.02 (2017), 51.03 (2017), 51.13 (2018), 51.17 (2020), 51.21 (2018), 51.22 (2018), 51.25 (2017), 51.26 (2021, 2021), 51.31 (2021), 51.32 (2014, 2020), 51.34 (2021), 51.37 (2015), 51.39 (2014), 51.42 (2018), 51.44 (2015), 51.45 (2021), 51.46 (2014), 51.50 (2019, 2019), 51.52 (2021), 51.53 (2021), 51.55 (2021), 51.56 (2018), 51.62 (2017), 51.64 (2020), 51.65 (2021). * Emma Mckeon also swam 50.67 (2021), 50.77 (2022), 50.96 (2021), 51.02 (2019), 51.03 (2022), 51.05 (2021), 51.15 (2021), 51.17 (2020), 51.27 (2019), 51.28 (2021, 2022), 51.36 (2021), 51.38 (2019), 51.47 (2021, 2021), 51.51 (2021), 51.58 (2021), 51.61 (2021). * Cate Campbell also swam 50.85 (2017), 50.91 (2015), 51.02 (2019), 51.20 (2019), 51.31 (2013), 51.37 (2019), 51.38 (2015), 51.45 (2017), 51.59 (2013, 2017). *

also swam 50.87 (2022), 50.94 (2020), 50.98 (2021), 51.00 (2022), 51.06 (2021), 51.11 (2021), 51.12 (2020), 51.13 (2021), 51.14 (2020), 51.18 (2021), 51.22 (2021), 51.30 (2020), 51.32 (2021), 51.35 (2020), 51.37 (2021), 51.38 (2020), 51.40 (2020), 51.42 (2021), 51.46 (2021), 51.48 (2021), 51.49 (2020), 51.59 (2020), 51.64 (2021), 51.65 (2021). * Ranomi Kromowidjojo also swam 51.01 (2018), 51.14 (2018), 51.14 (2017, 2018), 51.19 (2017), 51.26 (2018), 51.28 (2013), 51.29 (2018), 51.39 (2015), 51.42 (2018), 51.44 (2010), 51.44 (2009, 2010), 51.45 (2010), 51.47 (2014), 51.51 (2018), 51.51 (2014), 51.54 (2009,2013), 51.56 (2018), 51.57 (2014), 51.59 (2015), 51.60 (2017), 51.65 (2017). *

Beryl Gastaldello Beryl ( ) is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminium silicate with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18. Well-known varieties of beryl include emerald and aquamarine. Naturally occurring, hexagonal crystals of beryl can be up to several me ...

also swam 51.16 (2020), 51.30 (2020), 51.38 (2020, 2020), 51.57 (2020). *

Femke Heemskerk Frederike Johanna Maria "Femke" Heemskerk (; born 21 September 1987) is a former Dutch competitive swimmerAbbey Weitzeil also swam 51.42 (2020), 51.62 (2021), 51.63 (2022), 51.64 (2021). * Freya Anderson also swam 51.49 (2019), 51.52 (2020). *

Katarzyna Wasick Katarzyna "Kasia" Wasick (born Wilk; 22 March 1992) is a Polish swimmer who specializes in sprint freestyle. Wasick represented Poland at the 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, London, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo as well as ...

also swam 51.44 (2021), 51.58 (2021). *

Fran Halsall Francesca Jean Halsall (born 12 April 1990) is a retired English competitive swimmer who has represented Great Britain at the Olympics, FINA world championships, and European championships, and England at the Commonwealth Games. She competed p ...

also swam 51.19 (2009), 51.61 (2009). *

Marie Wattel Marie Wattel (born 2 June 1997) is a French Swimming (sport), swimmer. She competed in the Swimming at the 2016 Summer Olympics – Women's 100 metre butterfly, women's 100 metre butterfly event at the 2016 Summer Olympics. She qualified to repr ...

also swam 51.45 (2019). *

Kayla Sanchez Kayla Noelle Sanchez (born 7 April 2001) is a Filipina-Canadian swimmer. A member of the Canadian national team until 2022, she has represented Canada at the Olympic and World championship level, and is a two-time Olympic medalist. She is one ...

also swam 51.45 (2018). *

also swam 51.54 (2022).

References

{{World records in swimming Freestyle 0100 metres World record progression 0100 metres freestyle