I don’t have live tool access right now to verify the very latest news, but here’s the current understanding as of early May 2026 based on recent prominent results:
Women’s 100m backstroke: The world record in long course has been a hotly contested mark, with Regan Smith and Regan Smith–related performances shaping the conversation in recent years. The most notable long-course WR in this event was set by Regan Smith in the recent past, and updates continue to surface from major championships and trials. For the latest, check the official FINA/World Aquatics results pages and recent U.S. Trials coverage.[2][3]
Men’s 100m backstroke: The world record has historically been set by Thomas Ceccon in 2022 (51.60) at the World Championships, but longer-term progression includes rapid improvements by other top backstrokers in both long and short course formats. The most recent confirmed long-course WR remains Ceccon’s 51.60 from 2022, with short-course WRs changing more frequently at World Cup events. For up-to-date confirmations, consult World Aquatics event recaps and major meet reports.[3][9]
Illustration of how to verify quickly:
If you’d like, I can fetch the latest verified reports and present a concise, cited update.
BUDAPEST, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon set a new world record of 51.60 seconds in the men's 100m backstroke on the third day of the 19th FINA World Championships here on Monday. The previous world record holder American Ryan Murphy, who swam then world's best 51.75 at the 2016 Rio Olympics, won the silver in 51.97 and his compatriot Hunter Armstrong took bronze in 51.98.
english.news.cn"I watched a lot of Shark Week, so I was channeling my inner shark."
www.nbcsports.comThe women's 100-metre backstroke is set to be one of the highlight events in the pool at this year's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, with three world record holders in the event vying for the gold medal.
olympics.comAfter a record-breaking performance at 2024 U.S. trials, Regan Smith set a new world record in 100-meter backstroke in short course.
www.forbes.com