World Records — 400 m Men

The 400 m Men world record stands at 43.03, set by Wayde Van Niekerk (RSA) in 2016. Explore its full progression through athletics history.

Record progression

Mark over the years. The higher the curve, the better the record.

44464819201940196019802000202048.2 · Reidpath43.03 · Van Niekerk

Record History

2016Wayde Van NiekerkCurrentRSA—Aug 14, 2016Rio de Janeiro, BrazilOngoing43.03-0.15s
1999Michael JohnsonUSA—Aug 26, 1999Seville, Spain17 years43.18-0.11s
1988Butch ReynoldsUSA—Aug 17, 1988Zürich, Switzerland11 years43.29-0.51s
1968Lee EvansUSA—Oct 18, 1968Mexico City19.8 years43.8-0.06s
1968Lee EvansUSA—Oct 18, 1968Mexico City, MexicoEqualled43.86-0.24s
1968Larry JamesUSA—Sep 14, 1968Echo Summit34 d44.1-0.80s
1964Mike LarrabeeUSA—Sep 12, 1964Los Angeles, USA4 years44.9—
1960Otis DavisUSA—Sep 6, 1960Rome, Italy4 years44.9—
1960Carl KaufmannGER—Sep 6, 1960Rome, ItalyEqualled44.9-0.30s
1956Lou JonesUSA—Jun 30, 1956Los Angeles, USA4.2 years45.2-0.20s
1955Lou JonesUSA—Mar 18, 1955Mexico City15 months45.4-0.40s
1950George RhodenJAM—Aug 22, 1950Eskilstuna, Sweden4.6 years45.8-0.10s
1948Herb McKenleyJAM—Jul 2, 1948Milwaukee, USA2.1 years45.9-0.10s
1941Grover KlemmerUSA—Jun 6, 1941Philadelphia, USA7.1 years46.0—
1939Rudolf HarbigGER—Aug 12, 1939Frankfurt am Main, Germany22 months46.0-0.10s
1936Archie WilliamsUSA—Jun 19, 1936Chicago, USA3.1 years46.1-0.10s
1932Bill CarrUSA—Aug 5, 1932Los Angeles, USA3.9 years46.2-0.80s
1928Emerson SpencerUSA—May 12, 1928Palo Alto, USA4.2 years47.0-1.20s
1912Charles ReidpathUSA—Jul 13, 1912Stockholm, Sweden15.8 years48.2—
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Wayde Van Niekerk (South Africa) holds the 400 m Men world record with 43.03, set on August 14, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Michael Johnson (United States) held it with 43.18, from August 26, 1999 until August 14, 2016 (16 years).

Elite Trackr's progression lists 18 improvements since 1912, when Charles Reidpath set 48.2.