World record progression 200 metres backstroke



This is a history of the progression of the world record for the 200-meter backstroke event. It is a listing of the fastest-time-ever swum in the event, in both long course (50-meter) and short course (25-meter) swimming pools. These records are maintained/recognized by FINA, which oversees international competitive swimming and aquatics.

The long course records are historically older than the short course records; the latter having only been recognized since the early 1990s.

New regulations


Men long course

 * Correct as of June 2024

Men short course

 * Correct as of December 2023

Women long course

 * Correct as of June 2024

Women short course

 * Correct as of November 2023