World’s Fastest 50m Freestyle – Women’s Long Course

World Record: Sarah Sjoestroem 23.61
Olympic Record: Sarah Sjoestroem 23.66 (New)
World Junior Record: Claire Curzan 24.17
Commonwealth Record: Cate Campbell 23.78

Top 6 All-time Performers:

1. Sarah Sjoestroem 23.61
2. Britta Steffen 23.73
3. Pernille Blume 23.75
4. Cate Campbell 23.78
5. Emma McKeon 23.81
6. Ranomi Kromowidjojo 23.85

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The chart below compares the World’s Fastest 50m Freestyle swimmers. Swimmers and coaches can looks at the individual Splits, Stroke Counts and the first 50m split compared to swimmers 50m PB. All swim data has been collected from our team reviewing race footage where possible.

Women's 50m Freestyle - Long Course
	Sarah Sjoestroem	Britta Steffen	Pernille Blume	Cate Campbell	Emma Mckeon	Ranomi Kromowidjojo
Height:	6 ft 0 in 182cm	5 ft 11 in 180cm	5 ft 7 in 170cm	6 ft 1 in 186cm	5 ft 11 in 180cm	5 ft 11 in 180cm
Weight:	168 Ib 76kg	132 Ib 60kg	128 Ib 58kg	163 Ib 74kg	132 Ib 60kg	148 Ib 67kg
Country:	SWE	GER	DEN	AUS	AUS	NED
DOB:	1993-08-17	1983-11-16	1994-05-14	1992-05-20	1994-05-24	1990-08-20
Meet:	World Aquatics Championships - Fukuoka 2023	13th FINA World Championships 2009	European Championships 2018	21st Commonwealth Games 2018	Olympic Games Tokyo 2020	17th FINA World Championships 2017
Strokes	37	41			36	39
Total Time:	23.61	23.73	23.75	23.78	23.81	23.85

Here is Sarah Sjoestroem 23.61 from the World Aquatics Championships – Fukuoka 2023 to view.

Here is the list of the Women’s 100m Freestyle Short Course for comparison.

Statistical Insights:

• Time Differences:
  • The top 6 all-time performers are separated by only 0.24 seconds. This narrow range emphasizes the high level of competition and the fine margins that determine the top ranks.
• Average Time of Top 6 Performers:
  • Calculating the average time of these top swimmers gives us approximately 23.75 seconds, underscoring the elite benchmark for the event.
• Performance Clusters:
  • The clustering of times around 23.7 to 23.8 seconds suggests a performance plateau where breaking into the 23.6 range (as Sjoestroem did) is exceptionally challenging.

Trends and Improvements:

• Historical Context:
  • Over the past decade, significant improvements have been made, with swimmers consistently breaking the 24-second barrier.
• Technological and Training Advances:
  • Innovations in swimwear technology, training techniques, and nutritional strategies have likely contributed to the gradual reduction in times.

Note: World’s Fastest 50m Freestyle – Women’s Long Course Update July 2024