Both swimmers swam faster than the former world record held by Australia's Jessicah Schipper (2:05.40).

Before the Olympics, Jiao had competed at the 2007 World Swimming Championships in Melbourne, where she placed 4th in the 200 m butterfly (2:07.22).

[1] She won three gold medals at the 2010 Asian Games, in the 100 m and 200 m butterfly, and as part of the Chinese 4 x 100 m medley relay team.

All three gold medals were won in times that were new Games records.

[2] She also competed in the 100 m butterfly, reaching the semifinal, and was part of the Chinese 4 x 100 m medley team.