The following table shows the world record progression in the men's and women's 800 metres, officially ratified by the IAAF.
The first world record in the men's 800 metres was recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 1912.
The first world record in the women's 800 metres was recognized by the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale (FSFI) in 1922,[5] which was absorbed by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 1936.
As of June 21, 2009, the IAAF (and the FSFI before it) have ratified 29 world records in the event.
(*) - Zdeněk Koubek's world records were rescinded by the IAAF after he transitioned to become male.