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 (50.29 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:
- Backstroke (this can only be the first stroke, due to the necessity of starting this leg in the pool rather than by diving in)
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Freestyle, (with the limitation that freestyle means any style other than backstroke, breaststroke or butterfly – most swimmers use the front crawl)
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.
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