World record progression 50 metres freestyle


The first world record in the men's 50 metres freestyle in long course swimming was recognized by the International Swimming Federation in 1976. In the short course 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 in 2008 and by Arena, Adidas and Italian swimming suit manufacturer Jaked in 2009. FINA's ban on non-textile suit came into effect on January 2010. FINA also released a .

Men

Long course

Short course

Women

Long course

Short course

All-time top 25

Men

PosTimeSwimmerDateVenue
120.9117 December 2009Brazil
220.9422 April 2009France
321.0427 July 2019South Korea
421.113 August 2018Great Britain
521.1926 November 2009Australia
521.192 August 2015Russia
721.2031 July 2009Italy
821.2322 April 2009France
921.251 August 2009Italy
1021.2729 July 2017Hungary
1021.2715 August 2019Singapore
1221.2822 March 2008Australia
1321.2931 July 2009Italy
1421.377 August 2015Russia
1421.378 August 2018Great Britain
1621.4031 July 2009Italy
1621.4012 August 2016Brazil
1821.4231 July 2009Italy
1921.4412 April 2016Australia
1921.449 August 2018Great Britain
2121.4531 July 2009Italy
2121.4524 May 2018Poland
2321.4611 August 2016Brazil
2321.4612 August 2018Japan
2521.4729 June 2008United States

Women

PosTimeSwimmerDateVenue
123.6729 July 2017Hungary
223.732 August 2009Italy
323.754 August 2018Great Britain
423.787 April 2018Australia
523.8530 July 2017Hungary
623.882 August 2009Italy
723.9616 April 2009Netherlands
723.9624 July 2014Great Britain
923.9722 March 2008Australia
923.9730 July 2017Hungary
1124.0319 January 2020Beijing
1224.0717 August 2008China
1324.1113 August 2016Brazil
1424.129 August 2015Russia
1524.1322 September 2000Australia
1624.216 April 2018Japan
1624.213 August 2018Great Britain
1824.232 August 2009Italy
1924.2514 June 2019Australia
2024.267 April 2018Australia
2024.2611 October 2019Germany
2224.283 July 2016United States
2324.3117 July 2015Canada
2424.3427 July 2019South Korea
2524.3810 April 2019Australia