World record progression 200 metres breaststroke



The first world record in the men's 200 metres breaststroke in long course (50 metres) swimming was recognised by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in 1908 and the first world record in the women's 200 metres breaststroke was recognised in 1921. In the short course (25 metres) swimming events the world's governing body recognizes world records since March 3, 1991.

There have been two rule changes enacted by FINA for this event that have resulted in the nullification of world records.

In the mid-1930s, many breaststroke swimmers began practicing an early variant of the butterfly stroke that involved recovering the arms above the water in an effort to reduce drag. This technique was disallowed when the butterfly stroke was established as a distinct stroke with its own rules in 1953, and world records set using the technique were nullified.

Another style was developed by the Japanese swimmer Masaru Furukawa shortly after this rule change. It involved swimming underwater for as much of each pool length as possible without surfacing, as the act of breaking the water's surface created resistance, slowing a swimmer. This method of swimming the breaststroke was disallowed by FINA in 1956 and records set with the technique were nullified.

(see History of swimming)

Note: 200 Meter World Record Prior to 1953
The world record for the 200-meter breaststroke prior to the bifurcation of the butterfly breaststroke into separate strokes in 1953 could be accomplished in either short or long course pools. FINA recognized only one world record for the 200-meter breaststroke. The 1952 US Olympic Book lists the 200-meter breaststroke world record as belonging to Herbert Klein with a time of 2:27.3 who swam it in a short course pool. FINA now recognizes and lists on their website Herbert Klein's long course world record of 2:34.4 for the 200-meter breaststroke set on August 13, 1950, in Göppingen, Germany rather than his world record of 2:27.3 set in a short course pool. John Davies tied Herbert Klein's long course world record of 2:34.4 for the 200-meter breaststroke at their 1952 Olympic final. Bowen Stassforth's time of 2:34.7 in the 220 yard breaststroke (long course) at the 1952 AAU Outdoor Nationals correlates to a time of 2:33 in the 200 meter breaststroke (long course). This performance was the fastest all-time for the 220 yard breaststroke (long course) and would have been the fastest 200 meter breaststroke (long course) in history (pre-bifurcation of the breaststroke in 1953) as well if it had been dual timed. This is evidenced by the dual distance timed race in the 1950 National AAU Indoor Championships in the 220 yard breaststroke (short course) between Joe Verdeur and Robert Brawner. During the race, Verdeur broke the world record for 200 meters with a time of 2:28.3 (short course). However, Brawner won the race with a time of 2:29.3 for the full 220 yards beating Verdeur who was second in 2:29.4.

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 December 2023