World record progression 800 metres freestyle

The first world record in the women's 800 metres freestyle in long course (50 metres) swimming was recognised by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in 1931.

The women's 880 yard freestyle had been a FINA-recognized world record event since 1919.

However, in 1931 FINA decreed that only performances from 1931 onward would be eligible for world record consideration in the 800 metres freestyle.

Thus Helene Madison's 1930 world record of 11:41.2 in the 880 yard freestyle was not considered a world record in the 800 metres freestyle even though it was over a longer distance and substantially faster than Yvonne Godard's 1931 world record of 12:18.8 in the 800 metres freestyle.

[1] Because of this situation, the world records for the 880 yard freestyle for women from 1919 to 1930 are included below.