List of IPC world records in swimming
Encyclopedia
The world records in disability swimming are ratified by the International Paralympic Committee
(IPC). These are the fastest performances in swimming events at meets sanctioned by the IPC.
Races are held in four swimming strokes: freestyle
, backstroke
, breaststroke
and butterfly
over varying distances and in either individual or relay race events. Medley
events combine all four strokes, again either as an individual format (swum in order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle) and as a team relay (swim in order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle). Competitors are allocated a classification based on their ability in the water, with records available for each event in each classification.
This currently used classification system has been in use since the 2000 Sydney Games
.
Events in classification 14 are currently suspended by the IPC. The International Sports Federation for People with an Intellectual Disability (INAS-FID) records and recognises world record performances in this classification as a separate process from the IPC.
(25 m) swimming pools. On each list there are almost 200 records, so they are therefore presented in separate articles:
International Paralympic Committee
The International Paralympic Committee is an international non-profit organisation and the global governing body for the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Paralympic Games and functions as the international federation for nine sports...
(IPC). These are the fastest performances in swimming events at meets sanctioned by the IPC.
Races are held in four swimming strokes: freestyle
Freestyle swimming
Freestyle is an unregulated swimming style used in swimming competitions according to the rules of FINA. The front crawl stroke is almost universally used during a freestyle race, as this style is generally the fastest...
, backstroke
Backstroke
The backstroke, also sometimes called the back crawl, is one of the four swimming styles regulated by FINA, and the only regulated style swum on the back. This has the advantage of easy breathing, but the disadvantage of swimmers not being able to see where they are going. It is also the only...
, breaststroke
Breaststroke
The breaststroke is a swimming style in which the swimmer is on his or her chest and the torso does not rotate. It is the most popular recreational style due to its stability and the ability to keep the head out of the water a large portion of the time. In most swimming classes, beginners learn...
and butterfly
Butterfly stroke
The butterfly is a swimming stroke swum on the breast, with both arms moving simultaneously. The butterfly kick was developed separately, and is also known as the "dolphin kick"...
over varying distances and in either individual or relay race events. Medley
Medley swimming
Medley is a combination of four different swimming styles into one race. This race is either swum by one swimmer as individual medley or by four swimmers as a medley relay...
events combine all four strokes, again either as an individual format (swum in order: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle) and as a team relay (swim in order: backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, freestyle). Competitors are allocated a classification based on their ability in the water, with records available for each event in each classification.
- 1-10: Physical disability: Classes S1, SB1, SM1 for athletes who are least physically able; S10, SB9, SM10 for those with greatest ability in the water
- 11-13: Visual impairment: Class S11 for totally blind athletes, to class S13 for athletes who have some vision, but are considered legally blind
- 14: Intellectual disability
This currently used classification system has been in use since the 2000 Sydney Games
Swimming at the 2000 Summer Paralympics
Swimming at the 2000 Summer Paralympics comprised a total of 169 events, 91 for men and 78 for women. Swimmers were classified according to the extent and type of their disability.- Men's events :- Women's events :...
.
Events in classification 14 are currently suspended by the IPC. The International Sports Federation for People with an Intellectual Disability (INAS-FID) records and recognises world record performances in this classification as a separate process from the IPC.
Record lists
Records are recorded in men's and women's competition in both long course (50 m) and short courseShort course
In Swimming, the term Short Course is used to identify a pool that is 25 metres in length. The term is also often included in meet names when conducted in a short course pool...
(25 m) swimming pools. On each list there are almost 200 records, so they are therefore presented in separate articles: