How Swimming World Records Get Ratified

A swimming world record only counts after ratification by World Aquatics, known as FINA before its 2023 rename. The pool itself must be certified for length, and measurements are checked before the meet.

Electronic timing, sanctioned competition, and post race doping control are mandatory. Times from lead off relay legs can count as records, but splits swum by a second swimmer cannot.

Records are kept separately for long course 50 m pools and short course 25 m pools. National federations submit the paperwork, and the ratified lists are published with the full swim details..