Swimming 200m is a popular distance for swimmers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. For beginners, the average time to swim 200m is between 4-5 minutes. Intermediates can expect to finish in 3-4 minutes, while professionals can complete the distance in 2-3 minutes.
It’s important to note that these times are just averages and will vary depending on individual fitness levels and technique. Therefore, I’ve broken down the data for by age and gender for each swimming style. So, if you swim freestyle, breaststroke or backstroke I’ve got the average times for all of them.
Table of Contents
Average Time to Swim 200m Freestyle For Males
A male can swim 200m in an average time of 05:30 using a freestyle or front crawl swimming method. More advanced swimmers can swim 200m around 03:20 with professional swimmers reaching a time of around 02:20 seconds or less.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 200m Male |
| 15 -20 | 04:58 |
| 20-25 | 04:20 |
| 25-30 | 04:32 |
| 30-35 | 04:42 |
| 35-40 | 04:52 |
| 40-45 | 05:02 |
| 45-50 | 05:05 |
| 50-55 | 05:12 |
| 55-60 | 06:06 |
| 60-65 | 06:20 |
Check out my big swim data analytics that contains every swimming distance by age and gender in a full comparison table for beginners and intermediates. You can compare your swim average times against every distance in your age and ability group.
Average Time to Swim 200m Freestyle For Females
A female can swim 200m in an average time of 06:12 using a freestyle or front crawl swimming method. More advanced swimmers can swim 200m around 04:00. This depends on the age, ability and fitness level of the swimmer.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 200m Female |
| 15 -20 | 05:02 |
| 20-25 | 05:08 |
| 25-30 | 05:22 |
| 30-35 | 05:26 |
| 35-40 | 05:28 |
| 40-45 | 05:34 |
| 45-50 | 05:43 |
| 50-55 | 06:02 |
| 55-60 | 06:22 |
| 60-65 | 06:35 |
What is The World Record 200m Freestyle Swim Time?
The world record for the men’s 200m freestyle swim is currently held by Brazilian sprint specialist Cesar Cielo Filho, with a time of 01:42.00 set in 2009. The women’s world record is held by Federica Pellegrini of Italy, with a time of 01:52.98 set in 2009.
Cielo and Pellegrini are both Olympic gold medalists, and their records have stood the test of time. Cielo’s record was set at the World Championships in Rome, while Pellegrini’s was set at the World Championships in Berlin. Both swimmers have gone on to become legends in their respective sports, and their records remain some of the most impressive ever seen.
Average Time to Swim 200m Breaststroke For Males
A male can swim 200m breaststroke in an average time of 05:06. More advanced swimmers can swim 200m breaststroke around 03:16 with professional swimmers reaching a time of around 02:00 or less.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 200m Male |
| 15 -20 | 05:14 |
| 20-25 | 04:36 |
| 25-30 | 04:47 |
| 30-35 | 04:58 |
| 35-40 | 05:07 |
| 40-45 | 05:18 |
| 45-50 | 05:21 |
| 50-55 | 06:03 |
| 55-60 | 06:22 |
| 60-65 | 06:36 |
Average Time to Swim 200m Breaststroke For Females
A female can swim 200m breaststroke in an average time of 06:28. More advanced swimmers can swim 200m breaststroke around 04:46. This depends on the age, ability and fitness level of the swimmer.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 200m Female |
| 15 -20 | 05:18 |
| 20-25 | 05:20 |
| 25-30 | 05:38 |
| 30-35 | 06:02 |
| 35-40 | 06:04 |
| 40-45 | 06:10 |
| 45-50 | 06:12 |
| 50-55 | 06:18 |
| 55-60 | 06:38 |
| 60-65 | 06:51 |
What is The World Record 200m Breaststroke Swim Time?
The current world record for the 200m breaststroke swim time for males is held by Zac Stubblety-Cook of Australia, who set a stunning 02:05.95 in 2021. For females, the world record is held by Tatjana Schoenmaker of South Africa, who posted a 02:18.95 in 2020 at the Tokyo Olympics.
Average Time to Swim 200m Backstroke For Males
A beginner male can swim 200m backstroke in an average time of 05:38. More advanced swimmers can swim 200m around 03:10 with professional swimmers reaching a time of around 1:50 or less.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 200m Male |
| 15 -20 | 05:10 |
| 20-25 | 04:32 |
| 25-30 | 04:43 |
| 30-35 | 04:54 |
| 35-40 | 05:02 |
| 40-45 | 05:14 |
| 45-50 | 05:17 |
| 50-55 | 05:40 |
| 55-60 | 06:18 |
| 60-65 | 06:32 |
Average Time to Swim 200m Backstroke For Females
A beginner female can swim 200m backstroke in an average time of 06:20. More advanced swimmers can swim 200m around 04:38. This depends on the age, ability and fitness level of the swimmer.
| Age | Average Time to Swim 200m Female |
| 15 -20 | 05:14 |
| 20-25 | 05:16 |
| 25-30 | 05:32 |
| 30-35 | 05:54 |
| 35-40 | 06:00 |
| 40-45 | 06:06 |
| 45-50 | 06:08 |
| 50-55 | 06:14 |
| 55-60 | 06:34 |
| 60-65 | 06:47 |
What is The World Record 200m Backstroke Swim Time?
The current world record for men in the 200m backstroke is 01:51.92, swum by Aaron Peirsol in 2009 at the FINA World Championships. On the women’s side, the world record is held by Kaylee McKeown of Australia who set a time of 2 minutes 4.68 seconds in 2021.
Other Swimming Distances You Might Find Helpful
Average Time to Swim 200m Summary
Swimming is a great way to stay fit and have fun. For beginners, the average time it takes to swim 200m in the freestyle, breaststroke and backstroke events can vary depending on your skill level.
For freestyle, the average time for a beginner is around 5 minutes and 30 seconds. This includes both arms moving in unison and breathing every three strokes. Breaststroke is slightly slower than freestyle with an average time of 6 minutes for a beginner.
This stroke requires you to move your arms in a circular motion while keeping your head above water at all times. Backstroke is the slowest of the three with an average time of 6 minutes for a beginner. This stroke requires you to keep your body flat on the surface of the water while using alternating arm movements.
No matter what stroke you choose, swimming can be a great way to stay active and healthy. With practice and dedication, you can improve your speed and endurance over time!
