World record progression 4x100 metres medley relay
Encyclopedia
The world record in the 4×100 metres medley swimming relay was first recognised in 1953 by FINA
, with world swimming governing body. Initially world records were only recognised in long course swimming pools which were a minimum of 50 metres in length – some of the early records were achieved in pools measuring 55 yards (50.3 m). Records set in a Short course
(25 m) pool have been recognised since 3 March 1991.
The medley relay
consists of 4 competitors swimming consecutively with each swimmer performing a different stroke:
It is possible to set a world record in the 100 m backstroke
through performance by the first swimmer of the relay team. Performances in the other legs cannot qualify as world records as FINA criteria requires a static start – swimming relay takeovers are often dynamic.
The event has been a fixture of the Olympic swimming programme
since 1960
.
International Swimming Federation
Fédération Internationale de Natation is the International Federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee for administering international competition in the aquatic sports...
, with world swimming governing body. Initially world records were only recognised in long course swimming pools which were a minimum of 50 metres in length – some of the early records were achieved in pools measuring 55 yards (50.3 m). Records set in a Short course
Short course
In Swimming, the term Short Course is used to identify a pool that is 25 metres in length. The term is also often included in meet names when conducted in a short course pool...
(25 m) pool have been recognised since 3 March 1991.
The medley relay
Medley swimming
Medley is a combination of four different swimming styles into one race. This race is either swum by one swimmer as individual medley or by four swimmers as a medley relay...
consists of 4 competitors swimming consecutively with each swimmer performing a different stroke:
- BackstrokeBackstrokeThe backstroke, also sometimes called the back crawl, is one of the four swimming styles regulated by FINA, and the only regulated style swum on the back. This has the advantage of easy breathing, but the disadvantage of swimmers not being able to see where they are going. It is also the only...
(this can only be the first stroke, due to the necessity of starting this leg in the pool rather than by diving in) - BreaststrokeBreaststrokeThe breaststroke is a swimming style in which the swimmer is on his or her chest and the torso does not rotate. It is the most popular recreational style due to its stability and the ability to keep the head out of the water a large portion of the time. In most swimming classes, beginners learn...
- ButterflyButterfly strokeThe butterfly is a swimming stroke swum on the breast, with both arms moving simultaneously. The butterfly kick was developed separately, and is also known as the "dolphin kick"...
- FreestyleFreestyle swimmingFreestyle is an unregulated swimming style used in swimming competitions according to the rules of FINA. The front crawl stroke is almost universally used during a freestyle race, as this style is generally the fastest...
, (with the limitation that freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly – most swimmers use the front crawlFront crawlThe front crawl, forward crawl, or freestyle is a swimming stroke usually regarded as the fastest of the four front primary strokes. As such, the front crawl stroke is nearly universally used during a freestyle swimming competition, hence the synonymously used term "freestyle". It is one of two...
)
It is possible to set a world record in the 100 m backstroke
World record progression 100 metres backstroke
This is a history of the 100 m backstroke world record as swum in both long-course pools and short-course pools—the two categories recognized/tracked by FINA.-Long course:-Short course:-Long course:-Short course:...
through performance by the first swimmer of the relay team. Performances in the other legs cannot qualify as world records as FINA criteria requires a static start – swimming relay takeovers are often dynamic.
The event has been a fixture of the Olympic swimming programme
Swimming at the Summer Olympics
Swimming has been a sport at every modern Summer Olympics. It has been open to women since 1912. Along with track & field athletics and gymnastics it is one of the most popular spectator sports at the Games and the one with the largest number of events....
since 1960
Swimming at the 1960 Summer Olympics
At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, 15 swimming events were contested, eight for men and seven for women. There was a total of 380 participants from 45 countries competing. For the first time, the 4×100 metres medley relay was contested...
.