The following table shows the world record progression in the men's and women's 800 metres, officially ratified by the IAAF.
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Men
The first world record in the men's 800 metres was recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 1912.
As of June 21, 2011, 23 world records have been ratified by the IAAF in the event. "y" denotes time for 880 yards (804.68 m) ratified as a record for the 800 m.
(+) - indicates en route time from longer race.
Auto times to the hundredth of a second were accepted by the IAAF for events up to and including 10,000 m from 1981. Hence, Sebastian Coe's record at 1:42.4 was rendered as 1:42.33 from that year.
Women
The first world record in the women's 800 metres was recognized by the Fédération Sportive Féminine Internationale (FSFI) in 1922. The FSFI 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. "y" denotes time for 880 yards (804.68 m) ratified as a record for the 800 m.
(+) - indicates en route time from longer race.
Auto times to the hundredth of a second were accepted by the IAAF for events up to and including 10,000 m from 1981. Hence, Nadezhda Olizarenko's record at 1:53.5 was rendered as 1:53.43 from that year.