The first world record in the men's 50 metres

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in long course (50 metres)

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was recognized by the

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(FINA) in

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. In the short course (25 metres) swimming events the world's governing body recognizes world records since March 3, 1991. The drop in world record times in the 2008/2009 coincided with the introduction of polyurethane suits from Speedo ( LZR, 50%

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) in 2008 and by Arena ( X-Glide), Adidas (Hydrofoil) and Italian swimming suit manufacturer Jaked (all 100% polyurethane) in 2009. FINA's ban on non-textile suit came into effect in January 2010. FINA also released
list of approved suits
Graphic data for World Record Progression in Men and Women Swimming 50m-100m-200m

Graphic data for World Record Progression in Men and Women Swimming 50m-100m-200m

Men

Long course

Short course

Women

Long course

Short course

All-time top 25

Men long course

*Correct as of June 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 21.47: *

César Cielo César Augusto Cielo Filho (, born 10 January 1987) is a Brazilian competitive swimmer who specializes in sprint events. He is the most successful Brazilian swimmer in history, having obtained three Olympic medals, winning six individual World ...

also swam 21.02 (2009), 21.08 (2009), 21.14 (2009), 21.30 (2008), 21.32 (2013), 21.33 (2009), 21.34 (2008), 21.35 (2009), 21.37 (2009), 21.38 (2012), 21.39 (2014), 21.47 (2008). *

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 21.07 (2021), 21.15 (2017), 21.18 (2019), 21.29 (2017, 2021, 2022), 21.32 (2021), 21.42 (2021). *

Benjamin Proud Benjamin Proud (born 21 September 1994) is an English competitive swimmer, representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games, the FINA World Aquatics Championships and LEN European Aquatics Championships, and England at the Commonwealth Games. Pr ...

also swam 21.16 (2018), 21.30 (2018), 21.32 (2017, 2022), 21.34 (2018), 21.35 (2018), 21.36 (2022), 21.40 (2022), 21.42 (2021, 2022), 21.43 (2017), 21.45 (2018). *

Frederick Bousquet Frederick may refer to: People * Frederick (given name), the name Nobility Anhalt-Harzgerode *Frederick, Prince of Anhalt-Harzgerode (1613–1670) Austria * Frederick I, Duke of Austria (Babenberg), Duke of Austria from 1195 to 1198 * Frederick ...

also swam 21.17 (2009), 21.21 (2009, 2009), 21.33 (2009), 21.36 (2009, 2010), 21.44 (2009). * Ashley Callus also swam 21.24 (2009). * Bruno Fratus also swam 21.31 (2019), 21.35 (2018), 21.37 (2015), 21.41 (2014), 21.42 (2019), 21.44 (2014), 21.45 (2014, 2014, 2019), 21.47 (2019). *

Florent Manaudou ] Florent Manaudou (; born 12 November 1990) is a French competitive swimming (sport), swimmer, an Olympic champion of the 50-meter freestyle at the 2012 London Olympics, and the younger brother of Laure Manaudou, a 2004 Olympic gold medalist i ...

also swam 21.32 (2014, 2016), 21.34 (2012), 21.37 (2013), 21.41 (2015, 2016), 21.42 (2016). *

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 butterfl ...

also swam 21.32 (2009), 21.38 (2008), 21.45 (2008), 21.46 (2008). *

Duje Draganja Duje Draganja (; born 27 February 1983) is a retired Croatian swimmer who won the silver medal in men's 50 metres freestyle race at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Career Draganja won a silver medal in 2005 World Aquatics Champio ...

also swam 21.38 (2009). * Vladimir Morozov also swam 21.41 (2021), 21.44 (2017, 2018), 21.45 (2017), 21.46 (2017), 21.47 (2013, 2018). *

Cullen Jones Cullen Andrew Jones (born February 29, 1984) is an American former competition swimmer and Olympic gold medalist who specializes in Freestyle swimming, freestyle sprint events. As part of the American team, he holds the List of world records in ...

also swam 21.41 (2009), 21.47 (2009). *

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'', a ...

also swam 21.41 (2008). *

Anthony Ervin Anthony Lee Ervin (born May 26, 1981) is an American competition swimmer who has won four Olympic medals and two World Championship golds. At the 2000 Summer Olympics, he won a gold medal in the men's 50-meter freestyle, and earned a silver med ...

also swam 21.42 (2013), 21.46 (2016). *

Kristian Golomeev Kristian Tsvetanov Gkolomeev ( bg, Кристиан Цветанов Голомеев, el, Κριστιάν Τσβετάνοφ Γκολομέεφ, born 4 July 1993) is a Greek swimmer. He specializes in sprint freestyle and butterfly events. ...

also swam 21.45 (2019). *

Nathan Adrian Nathan Ghar-jun Adrian (born December 7, 1988) is an American competitive swimmer and five-time Olympic gold medalist who formerly held the American record in the long course 50-meter freestyle event. In his Olympic debut at the 2008 Summer O ...

also swam 21.46 (2009), 21.47 (2013, 2016). * Michael Andrew also swam 21.45 (2022), 21.46 (2018). * Pawel Juraszek also swam 21.47 (2017).

Men short course

*Correct as of December 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 20.78: *

also swam 20.24 (2019), 20.28 (2020), 20.43 (2018), 20.51 (2018), 20.52 (2020), 20.54 (2018), 20.62 (2018), 20.65 (2020), 20.67 (2021), 20.69 (2020), 20.77 (2021). * Vladimir Morozov also swam 20.33 (2018), 20.39 (2018), 20.40 (2019), 20.45 (2017), 20.48 (2018), 20.49 (2018), 20.51 (2018), 20.55 (2012), 20.59 (2013), 20.61 (2017), 20.66 (2013, 2013), 20.68 (2019), 20.69 (2018), 20.70 (2013), 20.72 (2013, 2017), 20.73 (2016, 2019), 20.77 (2019), 20.78 (2012, 2013). *

Jordan Crooks Jordan Crooks (born 2 May 2002) is a Caymanian competitive swimmer. He won the first medal of any color and first gold medal for the Cayman Islands at the FINA World Short Course Swimming Championships. He also holds nine national records for th ...

also swam 20.36 (2022), 20.46 (2022). *

Ben Proud Benjamin Proud (born 21 September 1994) is an English competitive swimmer, representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games, the FINA World Aquatics Championships and LEN European Aquatics Championships, and England at the Commonwealth Games. P ...

also swam 20.45 (2021), 20.49 (2022), 20.66 (2017), 20.70 (2017), 20.71 (2018), 20.74 (2015), 20.76 (2022). *

also swam 20.51 (2014), 20.55 (2020), 20.57 (2019), 20.60 (2020), 20.63 (2020, 2020), 20.66 (2019), 20.69 (2019), 20.70 (2012), 20.77 (2012, 2020). *

also swam 20.56 (2009), 20.63 (2008), 20.73 (2009)). *

Roland Schoeman Roland Mark Schoeman OIS (born 4 July 1980) is a South African American swimmer and was a member of the South African swimming team at the 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. In May 2022, he officially became United States citizen. Ca ...

also swam 20.57 (2009), 20.64 (2008), 20.69 (2009). *

also swam 20.59 (2012), 20.61 (2010), 20.68 (2014), 20.72 (2014). *

also swam 20.64 (2009), 20.69 (2008), 20.75 (2009). *

also swam 20.71 (2009). *

Evgeny Sedov Evgeny Vadimovich Sedov (russian: Евгений Вадимович Седов; born 29 January 1996) is a Russian competitive swimmer. Sedov and his teammates won the gold medal in the 4×50 m freestyle relay at the 2014 short course world cham ...

also swam 20.71 (2015). *

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 co ...

also swam 20.72 (2021). * Dylan Carter also swam 20.72 (2022), 20.77 (2022). *

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 a ...

also swam 20.74 (2019). *

Nicholas Santos Nicholas Araújo Dias dos Santos (born 14 February 1980) is a Brazilian competitive swimmer who specializes in freestyle and butterfly sprint events. He swims for Esporte Clube Pinheiros. He swam the 50-metre freestyle at the 2008 Summer Olymp ...

also swam 20.75 (2009). *

Maxim Lobanovskij Maxim Lobanovszkij (born 18 January 1996) is a Hungarian swimmer. From 2018 - 2020, Lobanovszkij was coached and mentored by his father in law, Gennadi Touretski, who was best known for training multiple Olympic gold medalists, such as Alexand ...

also swam 20.76 (2019). *

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 20.77 (2008).

Women long course

*Correct as of June 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 24.26: *

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 23.69 (2017), 23.74 (2018), 23.78 (2019), 23.83 (2017, 2018), 23.85 (2017, 2017), 23.87 (2017), 23.91 (2019, 2022), 23.92 (2018), 23.95 (2017), 23.96 (2017, 2018), 23.97 (2019), 23.98 (2014, 2022), 23.99 (2018), 24.01 (2017, 2017), 24.05 (2019), 24.06 (2022), 24.07 (2019, 2021), 24.08 (2017, 2018, 2022), 24.11 (2019, 2019, 2022, 2022), 24.13 (2017, 2021), 24.14 (2018, 2018, 2020), 24.15 (2014, 2022), 24.17 (2016), 24.18 (2018, 2019), 24.20 (2015, 2016, 2018), 24.21 (2017, 2018), 24.22 (2016, 2019), 24.24 (2018), 24.25 (2019, 2019, 2021), 24.26 (2019, 2021). *

Cate Campbell Cate Natalie Campbell, (born 20 May 1992) is a Malawian-born Australian competitive swimming (sport), swimmer, and a current multiple world record holder, who won two bronze medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics, a gold medal at the 2012 Summer O ...

also swam 23.79 (2018), 23.81 (2018), 23.84 (2016), 23.88 (2018), 23.93 (2016), 23.94 (2021), 23.96 (2014), 23.99 (2009), 24.00 (2014, 2019), 24.02 (2019), 24.03 (2015), 24.04 (2016, 2021), 24.05 (2019), 24.08 (2009, 2019), 24.09 (2019), 24.11 (2019, 2019, 2021), 24.12 (2015, 2018), 24.13 (2008, 2014), 24.14 (2013), 24.15 (2016, 2018, 2021), 24.16 (2019), 24.17 (2008, 2014), 24.18 (2014), 24.19 (2013, 2018), 24.20 (2008), 24.21 (2014), 24.22 (2015, 2015), 24.23 (2014, 2016), 24.24 (2009, 2018). *

Pernille Blume Pernille Blume (born 14 May 1994) is a former Danish swimmer specializing in sprint freestyle events. She competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics. At the 2016 Summer Olympics she was the gold medalist in the women's 50 metre freestyle and won a b ...

also swam 23.85 (2018), 23.92 (2018), 23.98 (2018), 24.00 (2017), 24.05 (2017, 2018), 24.06 (2021), 24.07 (2016), 24.08 (2019, 2021), 24.09 (2019), 24.12 (2019, 2021), 24.13 (2017), 24.14 (2017, 2019), 24.15 (2017), 24.17 (2021, 2021), 24.20 (2018), 24.21 (2021), 24.23 (2016). *

Emma McKeon Emma Jennifer McKeon, (born 24 May 1994) is an Australian competitive swimmer. She is a four-time world record holder, one current and three former, in the 4x100 metre freestyle relay. Her total career haul of 11 Olympic medals following the ...

also swam 23.93 (2021), 23.99 (2022), 24.00 (2021), 24.02 (2021), 24.17 (2021), 24.25 (2019). *

Ranomi Kromowidjojo Ranomi Kromowidjojo (; born 20 August 1990) is a retired Dutch swimmer of mixed Dutch-Javanese Surinamese origin who mainly specialises in sprint freestyle events. She is a triple Olympic champion, winning the gold medal in the 4 × 100 m frees ...

also swam 23.97 (2021), 24.05 (2012, 2013), 24.07 (2012, 2016), 24.10 (2012), 24.11 (2021), 24.14 (2012, 2021), 24.19 (2016), 24.20 (2013, 2017), 24.21 (2012, 2018), 24.22 (2015), 24.23 (2015), 24.24 (2012, 2021), 24.25 (2018). *

Marleen Veldhuis Magdalena Johanna Maria "Marleen" Veldhuis (born 29 June 1979) is a retired swimmer from the Netherlands. She was world record holder in four events (one individual event and three relay events). Veldhuis won eight world championships gold medals ...

also swam 23.99 (2009), 24.09 (2008) 24.20 (2009), 24.26 (2008, 2008). * Liu Xiang also swam 24.03 (2020), 24.04 (2017, 2020), 24.20 (2020), 24.23 (2021). *

Simone Manuel ] Simone Ashley Manuel (born August 2, 1996) is an American professional Swimming (sport), swimmer specializing in freestyle events. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she won two gold and two silver medals: gold in the 100-meter freestyle and the 4x1 ...

also swam 24.05 (2019), 24.09 (2016), 24.10 (2018), 24.12 (2017), 24.21 (2019), 24.22 (2018). *

Britta Steffen Britta Steffen (; born 16 November 1983) is a German competitive swimmer who specializes in freestyle sprint events. Biography In 1999, Steffen won six titles at the European Junior Championships, and won a medal as a member of Germany's rel ...

also swam 24.06 (2008). * Fran Halsall also swam 24.11 (2009), 24.13 (2012, 2016), 24.14 (2014), 24.21 (2016), 24.23 (2016), 24.26 (2016). *

Therese Alshammar Malin Therese Alshammar (born 26 August 1977) is a Swedish swimmer who has won three Olympic medals, 25 World Championship medals, and 43 European Championship medals. She is a specialist in short distances races in freestyle and butterfly. She ...

also swam 24.14 (2011). * Katarzyna Wasick also swam 24.17 (2021, 2022), 24.18 (2022), 24.20 (2022), 24.26 (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 an ...

also swam 24.17 (2019), 24.19 (2015), 24.20 (2014), 24.22 (2018), 24.24 (2015, 2016), 24.26 (2018). *

Libby Trickett Lisbeth Constance Trickett, OAM (; born 28 January 1985) is a retired Australian swimmer. She was a gold medallist at the 2004 Summer Olympics, the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the 2012 Summer Olympics. She was the world record holder in the s ...

also swam 24.19 (2009), 24.25 (2008). *

Mariia Kameneva Maria Andreyevna Kameneva (russian: Мария Андреевна Каменева; born 27 May 1999) is a Russian competitive swimmer. She won nine medals at the 2015 European Games. Six of them were gold (1 is individual, 5 are in relays), one w ...

also swam 24.21 (2018). *

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 24.23 (2022). *

Dara Torres Dara Grace Torres (born April 15, 1967) is an American former competitive swimmer, who is a 12-time Olympic medalist and former world record-holder in three events. Torres is the first swimmer to represent the United States in five Olympic Gam ...

also swam 24.25 (2008).

Women short course

*Correct as of December 2022

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 23.73: *

also swam 23.05 (2020), 23.19 (2018), 23.23 (2018), 23.24 (2013, 2015), 23.26 (2018), 23.29 (2017, 2019), 23.31 (2017, 2021), 23.32 (2014, 2017), 23.36 (2013), 23.37 (2010, 2020), 23.39 (2017), 23.40 (2018), 23.41 (2020), 23.42 (2017), 23.43 (2014), 23.46 (2018, 2021), 23.47 (2017), 23.48 (2013, 2018), 23.50 (2018), 23.53 (2017), 23.54 (2021), 23.55 (2015, 2020), 23.56 (2015), 23.57 (2013), 23.58 (2009, 2010), 23.59 (2020), 23.60 (2016, 2018), 23.61 (2011), 23.62 (2009), 23.64 (2014, 2020), 23.66 (2017, 2020), 23.67 (2016), 23.69 (2013, 2019), 23.70 (2013), 23.71 (2010, 2018, 2019, 2019). *

also swam 23.08 (2021), 23.10 (2017), 23.12 (2021), 23.17 (2021), 23.21 (2018), 23.22 (2017), 23.26 (2018), 23.28 (2017), 23.30 (2017, 2021), 23.31 (2021), 23.34 (2017), 23.36 (2018), 23.39 (2017), 23.40 (2017), 23.41 (2020), 23.42 (2017, 2020), 23.43 (2019, 2020), 23.47 (2021), 23.48 (2018, 2020), 23.50 (2021), 23.51 (2017, 2019), 23.52 (2018, 2019), 23.53 (2021), 23.54 (2018), 23.55 (2014, 2020), 23.59 (2018), 23.62 (2018), 23.63 (2015), 23.66 (2019), 23.67 (2018), 23.72 (2015, 2020). * Katarzyna Wasick also swam 23.27 (2022), 23.30 (2020), 23.32 (2022), 23.37 (2022), 23.40 (2021), 23.41 (2021), 23.43 (2020). 23.47 (2020), 23.49 (2020, 2021), 23.55 (2022), 23.62 (2021), 23.63 (2021), 23.64 (2021). *

also swam 23.33 (2019), 23.35 (2019), 23.45 (2019), 23.46 (2019), 23.47 (2013), 23.48 (2019), 23.62 (2017), 23.64 (2015), 23.65 (2013), 23.67 (2017), 23.68 (2020), 23.72 (2019), 23.73 (2013), 23.74 (2018). *

also swam 23.34 (2009), 23.59 (2000), 23.64 (2009), 23.67 (2011). *

Maria Kameneva Maria Andreyevna Kameneva (russian: Мария Андреевна Каменева; born 27 May 1999) is a Russian competitive swimmer. She won nine medals at the 2015 European Games. Six of them were gold (1 is individual, 5 are in relays), one w ...

also swam 23.35 (2022), 23.48 (2021), 23.56 (2021), 23.65 (2022), 23.70 (2019), 23.72 (2021), 23.73 (2019). *

also swam 23.43 (2011), 23.55 (2008), 23.58 (2007). *

Abbey Weitzeil Abbigail "Abbey" Weitzeil (born December 3, 1996) is an American competition swimmer specializing in sprint freestyle. A multiple time Olympic medalist, she won a gold medal in the 4x100-meter medley relay for swimming in the preliminary heats ...

also swam 23.45 (2020), 23.57 (2020), 23.58 (2021), 23.62 (2022), 23.63 (2021), 23.69 (2021). *

Hinkelien Schreuder Hinkelien Schreuder (born 13 February 1984) is a former butterfly, freestyle and backstroke swimmer from The Netherlands, who also competed in the medley events. Schreuder won the Olympic gold medal in the 4×100 freestyle relay at the 2008 Ol ...

also swam 23.46 (2009), 23.53 (2009), 23.60 (2009), 23.64 (2009), 23.71 (2009), 23.72 (2008). *

also swam 23.50 (2021), 23.51 (2022), 23.53 (2021), 23.54 (2021), 23.56 (2021), 23.60 (2021), 23.65 (2021), 23.69 (2021), 23.70 (2019). *

Jeanette Ottesen Jeanette Ottesen (born 30 December 1987) is a Danish competitive swimmer who participated at the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics. In total she has won 50 international medals. Records She currently holds the Danish record in the ...

also swam 23.58 (2016), 23.72 (2016), 23.73 (2014). *

also swam 23.62 (2017), 23.67 (2018), 23.73 (2017, 2019). *

Mélanie Henique Mélanie Henique (born 22 December 1992) is a French competitive swimmer. She won a bronze medal in the 50 metre butterfly at the 2011 World Championships and a silver medal in the 50 metre butterfly at the 2022 World Aquatics Championships. ...

also swam 23.66 (2019). *

Femke Heemskerk Frederike Johanna Maria "Femke" Heemskerk (; born 21 September 1987) is a former Dutch competitive swimmerAnna Hopkin Anna Hopkin (born 24 April 1996) is a British swimmer. She won gold as part of the British team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in mixed 4 × 100 metre medley relay, setting a new world record time. Career Hopkin, who is from Chorley, competed for ...

also swam 23.70 (2018), 23.73 (2019). * Fran Halsall also swam 23.73 (2011).

References

External links

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Agenda Diana

USA Swimming
{{World records in swimming Freestyle 0050 metres World record progression 0050 metres freestyle