There are two different kinds of swimming records in the United States and certified by USA Swimming:
- American record: the fastest time by an American swimmer.
- U.S. Open record: the fastest time within the United States.
Note: The American records should not be confused with the Americas records, which are the fastest times ever swum by a swimmer representing any country of the Americas.
An asterisk (*) indicates that this record has been achieved since the latest USA Swimming records publication. A plus (+) indicates that this record also is the current world record.
Long course (50 m)
Men
| Event | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
|---|---|---|
| freestyle | ||
| 50 free | 21.04 Caeleb Dressel (USA) 2019 World Championships July 27, 2019 / Gwangju, South Korea 21.04 Caeleb Dressel (Gator Swim Club) 2020 US Olympic Trials June 20, 2021 / Omaha, Nebraska |
21.04 Caeleb Dressel (Gator Swim Club) 2020 US Olympic Trials June 20, 2021 / Omaha, Nebraska |
| 100 free | 46.96 Caeleb Dressel (USA) 2019 World Championships July 25, 2019 / Gwangju, South Korea |
47.08 Jack Alexy (California Aquatics) 2024 US Olympic Trials June 18, 2024 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 200 free | 1:42.96 Michael Phelps (USA) 2008 Olympic Games August 12, 2008 / Beijing, China |
1:44.10 Michael Phelps (Club Wolverine) 2008 US Olympic Trials July 1, 2008 / Omaha, Nebraska |
| 400 free | 3:42.78 Larsen Jensen (USA) 2008 Olympic Games August 10, 2008 / Beijing, China |
3:43.53 Larsen Jensen (Trojan Swim Club) 2008 USA Olympic Trials June 29, 2008 / Omaha, Nebraska |
| 800 free | 7:38.67 Bobby Finke (USA) 2023 World Championships July 26, 2023 / Fukuoka, Japan |
7:40.34 Bobby Finke (Florida) 2023 USA Nationals July 1, 2023 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 1500 free | 14:30.67 Bobby Finke (USA) 2024 Olympic Games August 4, 2024 / Paris, France |
14:40.28 Bobby Finke (Florida) 2024 United States Olympic trials June 23, 2024 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
| backstroke | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 50 back | 23.71 Hunter Armstrong (Ohio State) 2022 USA International Team Trials April 28, 2022 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
same |
| 100 back | 51.85 Ryan Murphy (USA) 2016 Olympic Games (r) August 13, 2016 / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
51.94 Aaron Peirsol (Longhorn Aquatics) 2009 USA Nationals July 8, 2009 / Indianapolis |
| 200 back | 1:51.92 Aaron Peirsol (USA) 2009 World Championships July 31, 2009 / Rome, Italy |
1:53.08 Aaron Peirsol (Longhorn Aquatics) 2009 USA Nationals July 11, 2009 / Indianapolis |
| breaststroke | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 50 breast | 26.45 Nic Fink (USA) 2022 World Championships June 21, 2022 / Budapest, Hungary |
26.52 Michael Andrew (MA Swim Academy) 2022 USA International Team Trials April 28, 2022 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
| 100 breast | 58.14 Michael Andrew (Race Pace Club) 2020 US Olympic Trials (sf) June 13, 2021 / Omaha, Nebraska |
same |
| 200 breast | 2:06.54 Matthew Fallon (University of Pennsylvania) 2024 US Olympic Trials June 19, 2024 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
same |
| butterfly | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 50 fly | 22.35 Caeleb Dressel (USA) 2019 World Championships July 22, 2019 / Gwangju, South Korea |
22.84 Caeleb Dressel (Gator Swim Club) 2022 USA International Team Trials April 27, 2022 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
| 100 fly | 49.45 Caeleb Dressel (USA) 2020 Olympic Games July 31, 2021 / Tokyo, Japan |
49.76 Caeleb Dressel (Gator Swim Club) 2020 US Olympic Trials (sf) June 18, 2021 / Omaha, Nebraska |
| 200 fly | 1:51.51 Michael Phelps (USA) 2009 World Championships July 29, 2009 / Rome, Italy |
1:52.20 Michael Phelps (Club Wolverine) 2008 US Olympic Trials July 2, 2008 / Omaha, Nebraska |
| individual medley | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 200 IM | 1:54.00 Ryan Lochte (USA) 2011 World Championships July 28, 2011 / Shanghai, China |
1:54.56 Ryan Lochte (Daytona Beach) 2009 USA Nationals July 10, 2009 / Indianapolis |
| 400 IM | 4:03.84 Michael Phelps (USA) 2008 Olympic Games August 10, 2008 / Beijing, China |
4:05.25 Michael Phelps (Club Wolverine) 2008 US Olympic Trials June 29, 2008 / Omaha, Nebraska |
| relays | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 400 free relay | 3:08.24 USA (M. Phelps-47.51, G. Weber-Gale-47.02, C. Jones-47.65, J. Lezak-46.06) 2008 Olympic Games August 11, 2008 / Beijing, China |
3:11.74 USA (M. Phelps-48.13, R. Lochte-47.98, J. Lezak-48.12, N. Adrian-47.51) Pan Pacific Championships August 20, 2010 / Irvine, California |
| 800 free relay | 6:58.55 USA (M. Phelps-1:44.49, R. Berens-1:44.13, D. Walters-1:45.47, R. Lochte-1:44.46) 2009 World Championships July 31, 2009 / Rome, Italy |
7:03.84 USA (M. Phelps-1:45.62, P. Vanderkaay-1:46.46, R. Berens-1:46.49, R. Lochte-1:45.27) Pan Pacific Championships August 20, 2010 / Irvine, California |
| 400 medley relay | 3:26.78 USA (R. Murphy-52.31, M. Andrew-58.49, C. Dressel-49.03, Z. Apple-46.95 2020 Olympic Games August 1, 2021 / Tokyo, Japan |
3:32.48 USA (A. Peirsol-53.91, M. Gangloff-1:00.45, M. Phelps-50.58, N. Adrian-47.54) Pan Pacific Championships August 22, 2010 / Irvine, California |
Women
| Event | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
|---|---|---|
| freestyle | ||
| 50 free | 23.91 Kate Douglass (USA) 2024 World Championships February 18, 2024 / Doha, Qatar |
24.00 Abbey Weitzeil (Cal Aquatics) 2023 USA Nationals July 1, 2023 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 100 free | 52.04 Simone Manuel (USA) 2019 World Championships July 26, 2019 / Gwangju, South Korea |
52.54 Simone Manuel (Stanford) 2018 USA Nationals July 25, 2018 / Irvine, California |
| 200 free | 1:53.61 Allison Schmitt (USA) 2012 Olympic Games July 31, 2012 / London, UK |
1:54.13 Summer McIntosh (Canada) 2023 TYR Pro Swim Series March 3, 2023 / Fort Lauderdale, Florida |
| 400 free | 3:56.46 Katie Ledecky (USA) 2016 Olympic Games August 7, 2016 / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
3:57.94 Katie Ledecky (Stanford) 2018 TYR Pro Swim Series May 17, 2018 / Indianapolis |
| 800 free | 8:04.79 Katie Ledecky (USA) 2016 Olympic Games August 12, 2016 / Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
8:06.68 Katie Ledecky (Nations Capital) 2016 Arena Pro Swim Series January 17, 2016 / Austin, Texas |
| 1500 free | 15:20.48 Katie Ledecky (USA) 2018 TYR Pro Swim Series May 16, 2018 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
same |
| backstroke | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 50 back | 27.10 Regan Smith (USA) 2023 World Championships (sf) 26 July 2023 / Fukuoka, Japan |
27.12 Katharine Berkoff (NC State University) 2022 USA International Team Trials April 28, 2022 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
| 100 back | 57.13 Regan Smith (Longhorn Aquatics) 2024 US Olympic Trials June 19, 2024 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
same |
| 200 back | 2:03.35 Regan Smith (USA) 2019 World Championships (sf) July 26, 2019 / Gwangju, South Korea |
2:03.80 Regan Smith (Sun Devil) 2023 Phillips 66 National Championships June 28, 2023 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
| breaststroke | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 50 breast | 29.40 Lilly King (USA) 2017 World Championships July 30, 2017 / Budapest, Hungary |
29.62 Lilly King (Indiana University) 2018 TYR Pro Swim Series June 10, 2018 / Santa Clara, California |
| 100 breast | 1:04.13 Lilly King (USA) 2017 World Championships July 25, 2017 / Budapest, Hungary |
1:04.45 Jessica Hardy (Trojan Swim Club) 2009 U.S. Open Championships August 7, 2009 / Federal Way, Washington |
| 200 breast | 2:19.24 Kate Douglass (USA) 2024 Olympic Games August 1, 2024 / Paris, France |
2:19.30 Kate Douglass (New York Aquatic Club) 2024 TYR Pro Swim Series January 13, 2024 / Knoxville, Tennessee |
| butterfly | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 50 fly | 25.11 Gretchen Walsh (Nashville Aquatic) 2023 Phillips 66 National Championships June 28, 2023 / Indianapolis |
same |
| 100 fly | 55.18 Gretchen Walsh (Nashville Aquatic) 2024 United States Olympic trials June 15, 2024 / Indianapolis |
same |
| 200 fly | 2:03.84 Regan Smith (USA) 2024 Olympic Games August 1, 2024 / Paris, France |
2:03.87 Regan Smith (Sun Devil) 2023 Sun Devil Open June 4, 2023 / Tempe, Arizona |
| individual medley | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 200 IM | 2:06.15 Ariana Kukors (USA) 2009 World Championships July 27, 2009 / Rome, Italy |
2:07.09 Kate Douglass (New York Aquatic Club) 2023 USA Nationals July 1, 2023 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 400 IM | 4:31.12 Katie Hoff (North Baltimore) 2008 US Olympic Trials June 29, 2008 / Omaha, Nebraska |
4:28.61 Summer McIntosh (Canada) 2022 U.S. Open Championships December 2, 2022 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
| relays | American Record (50 m) | U.S. Open Record (50 m) |
| 400 free relay | 3:30.20 USA (K. Douglass-52.98, G. Walsh-52.55, T. Huske-52.06, S. Manuel-52.61) 2024 Olympic Games July 27, 2024 / Paris, France |
3:35.11 USA (N. Coughlin-54.25, J. Hardy-53.43, A. Weir-53.85, D. Vollmer-53.58) 2010 Pan Pacs August 21, 2010 / Irvine, California |
| 800 free relay | 7:40.73 USA (A. Schmitt-1:56.34, P. Madden-1:55.25, K. McLaughlin-1:55.38, K. Ledecky-1:53.76) 2020 Olympic Games August 1, 2021 / Tokyo, Japan |
7:51.21 USA (D. Vollmer-1:58.05, M. Scroggy-1:57.89, K. Hoff-1:58.70, A. Schmitt-1:56.57) 2010 Pan Pacs August 20, 2010 / Irvine, California |
| 400 medley relay | 3:49.63 USA (R. Smith-57.28, L. King-1:04.81, G. Walsh-55.03, T. Huske-52.42) 2024 Olympic Games August 4, 2024 / Paris, France |
3:55.23 USA (N. Coughlin-59.85, R.Soni-1:05.35, D. Vollmer-56.91, J. Hardy-53.12) 2010 Pan Pacs August 22, 2010 / Irvine, California |
Short course meters (25 m)
Men
Women
Short course yards (25 yd)
Men
Women
| Event | American Record (25 yd) | U.S. Open Record (25 yd) |
|---|---|---|
| freestyle | ||
| 50 free | 20.37 Gretchen Walsh (Virginia) 2024 NCAA Div. I Championships March 21, 2024 / Athens, Georgia |
same |
| 100 free | 44.83 Gretchen Walsh (Virginia) 2024 NCAA Div. I Championships March 23, 2024 / Athens, Georgia |
same |
| 200 free | 1:39.10 Missy Franklin (Cal) 2015 NCAA Div. I Championships March 20, 2015 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
same |
| 500 free | 4:24.06 Katie Ledecky (Stanford) 2017 NCAA Div. I Championships March 16, 2017 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
same |
| 1000 free | 8:59.65 Katie Ledecky (Nation's Capital) 2015 Nation's Capital Swim Club Invite December 13, 2015 / College Park, Maryland |
same |
| 1650 free | 15:01.41 Katie Ledecky (Gator Swim Club) 2023 Florida Spring Senior Championships March 12, 2023 / Orlando, Florida |
same |
| backstroke | American Record (25 yd) | U.S. Open Record (25 yd) |
| 100 back | 48.10 Gretchen Walsh (Virginia) 2024 ACC Championships February 23, 2024 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
same |
| 200 back | 1:46.87 Claire Curzan (Virginia) 2024 Tennessee Invitational November 22, 2024 / Knoxville, Tennessee |
same |
| breaststroke | American Record (25 yd) | U.S. Open Record (25 yd) |
| 100 breast | 55.73 Lilly King (Indiana) 2019 NCAA Div. 1 Championships March 22, 2019 / Austin, Texas |
same |
| 200 breast | 2:01.29 Kate Douglass (Virginia) 2023 NCAA Div. I Championships March 18, 2023 / Knoxville, Tennessee |
same |
| butterfly | American Record (25 yd) | U.S. Open Record (25 yd) |
| 100 fly | 47.35 Gretchen Walsh (Virginia) 2024 Tennessee Invitational November 21, 2024 / Knoxville, Tennessee |
same |
| 200 fly | 1:48.33 Regan Smith (Arizona State) Dual Meet Arizona State vs. NC State October 21, 2023 / Tempe, Arizona |
same |
| individual medley | American Record (25 yd) | U.S. Open Record (25 yd) |
| 200 IM | 1:48.37 Kate Douglass (Virginia) 2023 NCAA Div. I Championships March 16, 2023 / Knoxville, Tennessee |
same |
| 400 IM | 3:54.60 Ella Eastin (Stanford) 2018 NCAA Div. I Championships March 16, 2018 / Columbus, Ohio |
same |
| relays | American Record (25 yd) | U.S. Open Record (25 yd) |
| 200 free relay | 1:23.87 Virginia Cavaliers K. Douglass (20.95) G. Walsh (20.48) L. Cuomo (21.14) A. Walsh (21.30) 2023 ACC Championships February 15, 2023 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
1:23.63 Virginia Cavaliers  J. Nocentini (21.55)G. Walsh (19.95) A. Walsh (20.82) M. Parker (21.31) 2024 ACC Championships February 21, 2024 / Greensboro, North Carolina |
| 400 free relay | 3:05.84 Virginia Cavaliers K. Douglass (46.37) A. Walsh (46.58) Maxine Parker (47.04) G. Walsh (45.85) 2023 NCAA Div. I Championships March 18, 2023 / Knoxville, Tennessee |
same |
| 800 free relay | 6:45.91 Stanford Cardinal S. Manuel (1:41.41) L. Neal (1:42.15) E. Eastin (1:41.89) K. Ledecky (1:40.46) 2017 NCAA Div. I Championships March 15, 2017 / Indianapolis, Indiana |
same |
| 200 medley relay | 1:31.51 Virginia Cavaliers G. Walsh (22.77) A. Walsh (26.30) L. Cuomo (22.10) K. Douglass (20.34) 2023 NCAA Div. I Championships 15 March 2023 / Knoxville, Tennessee |
same |
| 400 medley relay | 3:22.34 Virginia Cavaliers G. Walsh (49.71) A. Wenger (56.79) A. Walsh (49.59) K. Douglass (46.25) 2022 ACC Championships February 18, 2022 / Atlanta 3:22.34 Virginia Cavaliers G. Walsh (49.44) A. Wenger (57.27) A. Walsh (49.45) K. Douglass (46.18) 2022 NCAA Div. I Championships March 18, 2022 / Atlanta |
3:21.01 Virginia Cavaliers G. Walsh (48.26) J. Nocentini (56.34)A. Walsh (49.15) M. Parker (47.26) 2024 NCAA Div. I Championships March 22, 2024 / Athens, Georgia |
See also
- List of World records in swimming
- List of Americas records in swimming (continental records)
Notes
- American Record — May be established only by United States Citizens who are also U.S. Sports Citizens who achieve an official time in accordance with USA Swimming rules. (USA Swimming Rules 104.2.2(A)(1)). Note: Portions of this rule were changed in September 2008 so that only swimmers who are representing the USA at the time of the swim, or capable of representing the USA, are eligible. This follows Mike Alexandrov's setting of the American Record in the 100 yd breaststroke at a time when he was swimming internationally for Bulgaria.
- United States Open Record — May be established only within the geographical territory of the United States by any person eligible to compete under and achieving an official time in accordance with USA Swimming rules. (USA Swimming Rules 104.2.2(A)(2)). Prior to 1985, this record included the fastest time swum by any United States citizen anywhere, but from 1985-on U.S. Open Records may not be attained in this manner. However, any remaining old records are valid until they are bettered. (This record should not be confused with the U.S. Open Meet Record, which is the fastest time swum at the U.S. Open meet.)
- A team representing the USA swam a time of 3:32.48 at the 2010 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships on August 21, 2010, but the record has not been recognized by USA Swimming. The team consisted of Aaron Peirsol-53.91, Mark Gangloff-1:00.45, Michael Phelps-50.58, and Nathan Adrian-47.54.
- For the U.S. Open Record in the men's long course 200 IM, Ryan Lochte swam under the listed record of 1:54.56 at the 2010 Pan Pacs, winning the event in 1:54.43; however, the time has not been recognized as the record.
- For the SCM women's 200 free American Record, Allison Schmitt swam a faster time at the 2009 Duel in the Pool (1:51.67); however, the time has not been recognized as a record by USA Swimming.
- For the SCM women's 400 IM American Record, Julia Smit at the 2009 Duel in the Pool set a then-World Record of 4:21.04; however, this time has not been recognized as the American Record by USA Swimming.
References
- "2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Wave II: Men's 50m Freestyle Final Results Summary". Omega Timing. June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
- "2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Wave II: Men's 50m Freestyle Final Results Summary". Omega Timing. June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
- "Phelps breaks 200 free world record by nearly a second". ESPN. 12 August 2008. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
- Coffey, Wayne (10 August 2008). "Michael Phelps gets gold, record in 400 IM at Olympics in Beijing". NY Daily News. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
- "Men's 800m Freestyle Final Results" (PDF). omegatiming.com. 26 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- "Men's 50m Backstroke Finals Results" (PDF). Omega Timing. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
- "Men's 50m Breaststroke Finals Results" (PDF). Omega Timing. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- "2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Wave II: Men's 100m Breaststroke Semifinals Results Summary" (PDF). Omega Timing. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021.
- Lohn, John (July 1, 2016). "U.S. Olympic Trials: Josh Prenot blasts American record of 2:07.17 in 200 breast". Swimvortex. Archived from the original on July 2, 2016. Retrieved July 1, 2016.
- "2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Wave II: Men's 100m Butterfly Semifinals Results Summary". Omega Timing. June 18, 2021. Retrieved June 18, 2021.
- "Women's 50m Freestyle". Omega Timing. 30 July 2017. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- "Women's 100m Freestyle Final Results". Omega Timing. 25 July 2018. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
- "2012 London Olympics: Allison Schmitt Torches 200 Free With Olympic, American Record; Missy Franklin Misses Podium". Swimming World Magazine. 31 July 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2016.
- "Ledecky breaks U.S. Open record, swims 2nd fastest 400 ever in 3:57.9". SwimSwam. 2018-05-17. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
- "Women's 50m Backstroke Semifinals Results" (PDF). Omega Timing. 26 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
- "Women's 50m Backstroke Finals Results" (PDF). Omega Timing. 28 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- "ISL Match 16 Eindhoven (NED): Men's 50m Backstroke Final Results". Omega Timing. November 25, 2021. Retrieved November 25, 2021.
- ISL (December 4, 2021). "ISL 2021 Final Eindhoven (NED): Men's 100m Breaststroke Results". Omega Timing. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
- FINA (October 9, 2021). "FINA Swimming World Cup 2021 Budapest (HUN): Men's 50m Butterfly Final Results". Omega Timing. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
- Neidigh, Lauren (March 22, 2018). "Caeleb Dressel Does It Again! 17.63 To Win The 50 Free". Swimswam. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
- Neidigh, Lauren (March 24, 2018). "Dressel Breaks Another Barrier with 39.9 100 Free". Swimswam. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- Neidigh, Lauren (December 12, 2015). "Clark Smith, Tasija Karosas Named Big 12 Swimmers Of The Week". Swimswam. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
- Neidigh, Lauren (February 22, 2020). "2020 SECs: Florida's Bobby Finke Demolishes American Record With 14:12 Mile". Swimswam. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
- Lepesant, Anne (March 25, 2022). "The NCAA Record No One Saw Coming: Urlando's 43.35 100 Back Relay Leadoff". SwimSwam. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
- Neidigh, Lauren (March 25, 2017). "Will Licon Goes out in Style; Secures 200 Breast 3-Peat in 1:47.9". Swimswam. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
- Neidigh, Lauren (March 23, 2018). "2018 M. NCAAs: Dressel Cracks 43 with 42.80 100 Fly". Swimswam. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
- Neidigh, Lauren (March 25, 2017). "Conger Wins 1st Title in Last Race with Record-Breaking 1:37.3 200 Fly". Swimswam. Retrieved March 25, 2017.
- Gibbs, Robert (March 24, 2018). "NC State Lowers Own 400 Free Relay Record To End NCAAs". Swimswam. Retrieved March 24, 2018.
- "Women's 100m Breaststroke Final Results". sidearmstats.com. March 22, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
- Hart, Torrey (March 16, 2018). "2018 W. NCAAs: Ella Eastin Goes 3:54.60 to Obliterate 400 IM American Record". Swimswam. Retrieved March 16, 2018.
- Rieder, David (February 18, 2022). "Kate Douglass Anchors Virginia to American and NCAA Record-Smashing 400 Medley Relay; Third Relay Record of Meet". Swimming World. Retrieved February 18, 2022.
- Rieder, David (March 18, 2022). "NCAA Women's Championships: Virginia Ties American and NCAA Records in 400 Medley Relay". Swimming World. Retrieved March 18, 2022.
- Rule Book Records as of March 24, 2012
External links
- USA Swimming Records & Rankings at official website
| Swimming in the United States | ||
|---|---|---|
| General |  | |
| Meets |
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| Related | ||