The Longest-Standing American Records and Who Can Break Them
In the past, Swimming World has taken a look at the longest-standing world records and their vulnerability. But what about a handful of the American records (long course) that have endured? There are several national marks that have gone untouched for double-digit years, including Michael Phelps’ standard in the 400-meter individual medley and Aaron Peirsol’s record in the 200 backstroke, which remains the world mark.
Let’s take a look at some of these longstanding American records and who is best positioned to attack.
Michael Phelps (400 Individual Medley)
Record Time: 4:03.84 (2008)
The Record: Michael Phelps established this record in his opening event of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. The effort was a world record at the time and stood as the global standard until 2023, when Frenchman Leon Marchand blasted a 4:02.50 outing at the World Championships. Since Phelps set the mark, no American has come within a second of the performance, although Ryan Lochte’s Olympic-winning of 4:05.18 in 2012 was damn impressive.
The American Chasers: Honestly, this record seems out of reach at the moment. Carson Foster has come closest in recent years, with a best of 4:06.56 touted on his resume. The fact that Foster trains with Marchand and a spectacular pro group at the University of Texas is motivating, but a nearly three-second drop would be required to take this record down. More, Bobby Finke is the top American in 2025, but the distance ace has priorities in the freestyle events over the individual medley.
Aaron Peirsol (200 Backstroke)
Record Time: 1:51.92 (2009)
The Record: At the 2009 World Championships, which featured more than 40 world records from the use of super-suit technology, Aaron Peirsol took the 200 backstroke to ridiculous territory. Peirsol’s swim in Rome is the only sub-1:52 effort in history and no one on the planet has sniffed the mark in the past 16 years.
The American Chasers: The 200 backstroke record might be more of a dream at the moment than Phelps’ mark in the 400 medley. The top Americans last year were Jack Aikins (1:54.25) and Keaton Jones (1:54.85), so Peirsol’s reign doesn’t figure to be threatened anytime soon.
Larsen Jensen (400 Freestyle)
Record Time: 3:42.78 (2008)
The Record: En route to the bronze medal at the 2008 Olympics, Larsen Jensen delivered a swim of 3:42.78. That time makes Jensen the 15th-fastest performer of all-time, but the top American. The United States obviously has not flourished in the 400 freestyle over the past 17 years, with the world record in the event now sitting at 3:39.96.
The American Chasers: The 400 freestyle has received a jolt in the U.S. during the past year, which is a positive development. Rex Maurer clocked 3:43.33 at this year’s National Championships and ranks fifth in the world while rising teenage star Luka Mijatovic has been 3:45.71 and is a bright hope in the future for Team USA. Look for the American record in the 400 freestyle to go down sooner than later.
Michael Phelps (200 Freestyle)
Record Time: 1:42.96 (2008)
The Record: As part of his eight-gold showcase at the 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps delivered a virtuoso performance in the 200 freestyle. On the way to a clocking of 1:42.96, Phelps bolted to a body-length lead on the opening length and was never challenged. The race was between Phelps and the clock, and the outcome was the first sub-1:43 performance in history.
The American Chasers: Over the past few years, Luke Hobson has established himself as a standout in the 200 freestyle. The 22-year-old is the world-record holder in the short-course version of the 200 freestyle and blasted a 1:43.73 last summer at Nationals, before going sub-1:44 again for the silver medal at the World Championships. Hobson has continually sharpened his skills, and a run at sub-1:43 seems to be on the horizon.
Ryan Lochte (200 Individual Medley)
Record Time: 1:54.00 (2011)
The Record: This American record was the global standard as recently as this past summer, until Leon Marchand went crazy in the event at the World Champs. Ryan Lochte posted this time at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, where he engaged in a spectacular duel with Michael Phelps. Ultimately, Lochte went 1:54.00 for the world record, with Phelps going a career-best of 1:54.16 for the silver medal.
The American Chasers: Multi-event talent Shaine Casas undoubtedly has the potential to break Lochte’s American record. At the World Championships in Singapore, Casas moved to No. 4 in the all-time rankings, thanks to a performance of 1:54.30. That time was good for the silver medal behind Marchand and enabled Casas to become just the third American – and fifth swimmer – to dip under 1:55 in the event.
Michael Phelps (200 Butterfly)
Record Time: 1:51.51 (2009)
The Record: A year after winning the Olympic title for the second time, Michael Phelps popped a 1:51.51 effort at the 2009 World Championships in Rome. The swim was part of a butterfly sweep for Phelps, who also cracked the 50-second barrier in the 100 butterfly while defeating Serbia’s Milorad Cavic in a much-hyped showdown.
The American Chasers: Among Americans, Phelps’ standard was unchallenged for years, until Luca Urlando enjoyed a breakout campaign during 2025. Urlando has registered four sub-1:53 performances during the past 10 months, including a 1:51.87 outing that earned him the gold medal at the World Championships.
