400 m · World Record
The detailed progression of the world record, and the athletes who set it.
Men · World Record
43.03
Wayde van Niekerk
South Africa · Rio de Janeiro · 14 Aug 2016
Women · World Record
47.60
Marita Koch
East Germany · Canberra · 6 Oct 1985
Men's World Record Progression
Current43.03Wayde van Niekerk· 2016
Women's World Record Progression
Current47.60Marita Koch· 1985
Record Timeline
| Date | Athlete | Country | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Aug 2016 | Wayde van Niekerk | South Africa | 43.03 | Rio de Janeiro |
| 26 Aug 1999 | Michael Johnson | United States | 43.18 | Seville |
| 17 Aug 1988 | Butch Reynolds | United States | 43.29 | Zurich |
| 18 Oct 1968 | Lee Evans | United States | 43.86 | Mexico City |