Who Leads the World Rankings With Less Than 90 Days To Paris? (Men’s Edition)

There are less than a 100 days until the start of the 2024 Olympic Games. There are still plenty of big meets between now and then, including Olympic Trials for the U.S, Australia, Canada, and France. From the season opening World Cup circuit, the 2024 World Championships, and meets like the Australian Open and Berlin Open, athletes have been putting up fast times all season.

And as the spring rolls on and many countries have already held Olympic Trials or closed their qualification period, it’s beginning to become clearer who is going to be a medal threat in Paris and the times that it may take to get into the final, much less onto the podium.

Heading into the next round of senior level international and domestic meets, here is the state of affairs for the men’s events–the top five so far this season so far (September 1, 2023 – April 30, 2024) as well as what the medal table would look like based on this season so far.

Note: There are Russian swimmers included in the top five rankings but none are included in the medal tables. There are two events on the men’s side this affects: the 100 backstroke and 400 IM.

Men’s 50 Freestyle

2023-2024 LCM Men 50 Free

2Benjamin
PROUD
GBR21.2504/06
3Vladyslav
BUKHOV
UKR21.3802/16
4Caeleb
DRESSEL
USA21.4106/22
5 Josh
LIENDO
CAN21.4805/18
View Top 31»

Men’s 100 Freestyle

2023-2024 LCM Men 100 Free

ZhanleCHN
PAN
07/31
WR 46.40
2David
POPOVICI
ROU46.8806/19
3Jack
ALEXY
USA47.0806/18
4Chris
GUILIANO
USA47.2506/18
5Maxime
GROUSSET
FRA47.3306/18
View Top 31»

Men’s 200 Freestyle

2023-2024 LCM Men 200 Free

DavidROU
POPOVICI
06/21
1:43.13
2Lukas
MÄRTENS
GER1:44.1404/27
3Sunwoo
HWANG
KOR1:44.4009/27
4Matthew
RICHARDS
GBR1:44.6904/07
5Duncan
SCOTT
GBR1:44.7504/07
View Top 31»

Men’s 400 Freestyle

2023-2024 LCM Men 400 Free

LukasGER
MÄRTENS
04/25
3:40.33
2Elijah
WINNINGTON
AUS3:41.4104/17
3Samuel
SHORT
AUS3:41.6404/17
4 Woomin
KIM
KOR3:42.4206/01
5Guilherme
COSTA
BRA3:42.7607/27
View Top 31»

Men’s 800 Freestyle

2023-2024 LCM Men 800 Free

DanielIRL
WIFFEN
07/30
7:38.19
2Bobby
FINKE
USA7:38.7507/30
3Gregorio
PALTRINIERI
ITA7:39.3807/30
4Ahmed
JAOUADI
TUN7:42.0707/29
5Elijah
WINNINGTON
AUS7:42.8607/29
View Top 30»

Men’s 1500 Freestyle

2023-2024 LCM Men 1500 Free

BobbyUSA
FINKE
08/04
WR 14:30.67
2Daniel
Wiffen
IRL14:34.0702/18
3Gregorio
PALTRINIERI
ITA14:34.5508/04
4David
BETLEHEM
HUN14:40.9108/04
5Kuzey
Tuncelli
TURWJR 14:41.2208/04
View Top 31»

Men’s 100 Backstroke

2023-2024 LCM Men 100 Back

2 Jiayu
XU
CHN52.0207/28
3Miron
Lifinstsev
RUS52.08 WJR07/28
4Ryan
MURPHY
USA52.2206/17
5Apostolos
CHRISTOU
GRE52.2306/23
View Top 31»

Men’s 200 Backstroke

2023-2024 LCM Men 200 Back

HubertHUN
KOS
08/01
1:54.26
2Ryan
MURPHY
USA1:54.3306/20
3Hugo
GONZALEZ
ESP1:54.5106/20
4Keaton
JONES
USA1:54.6106/20
5Jack
AIKINS
USA1:54.7806/20
View Top 31»

Men’s 100 Breaststroke

2023-2024 LCM Men 100 Breast

HaiyangCHN
QIN
10/06
57.69
2Adam
PEATY
GBR57.9404/02
3 Nic
FINK
USA58.5702/12
4Arno
KAMMINGA
NED58.6810/20
5Evgenii
Somov
RUS58.7205/16
View Top 31»

Men’s 200 Breaststroke

2023-2024 LCM Men 200 Breast

LeonFRA
MARCHAND
07/31
2:05.85
2Matthew
FALLON
USA2:06.5406/19
3Zac
Stubblety-Cook
AUS2:06.7907/31
4Ippei
WATANABE
JPN2:06.9403/21
5 Haiyang
QIN
CHN2:07.0309/28
View Top 31»

Men’s 100 Butterfly

2023-2024 LCM Men 100 Fly

KristofHUN
MILAK
08/03
49.90
2Josh
Liendo
CAN49.9908/03
3 Noe
PONTI
SUI50.1604/06
4Caeleb
DRESSEL
USA50.1906/22
5Matthew William
Temple
AUS50.2512/03
View Top 32»

Men’s 200 Butterfly

2023-2024 LCM Men 200 Fly

LeonFRA
MARCHAND
07/31
1:51.21
2Kristof
MILAK
HUN1:51.7507/31
3 Ilya
KHARUN
CAN1:52.8007/31
4Tomoru
HONDA
JPN1:53.1509/29
5Krzysztof
CHMIELEWSKI
POL1:53.9007/31
View Top 31»

Men’s 200 IM

2023-2024 LCM Men 200 IM

LeonFRA
MARCHAND
08/02
1:54.06
2Shun
Wang
CHN1:54.6209/24
3Duncan
SCOTT
GBR1:55.3108/02
4Carson
FOSTER
USA1:55.6506/21
5Shaine
CASAS
USA1:55.8306/21
View Top 31»

Men’s 400 IM

2023-2024 LCM Men 400 IM

LeonFRA
MARCHAND
07/28
4:02.95
2Carson
FOSTER
USA4:07.6406/17
3TOMOYUKI
MATSUSHITA
JPN4:08.6207/28
4Lewis
CLAREBURT
NZL4:08.7105/11
5 Max
LITCHFIELD
GBR4:08.8507/28
View Top 31»

Medal Table

Note: Organized by number of gold, then silver, then bronze. Caeleb Dressel (USA) and Hubert Kos (Hungary) are tied for third in the 100 butterfly world rankings, which counts as a “bronze” for both for the purposes of this table. 

More than anything, this medal table serves as a reflection of the training cycles of each country and which have already held their Olympic Trials. The top three countries on this table–China, Japan, and Germany–have all closed their Olympic qualification periods.

China and Germany’s qualification windows both closed at the end of this month with their national championships. However all of China’s four top times of the season come from earlier in the year; the most recent was Pan Zhanle‘s 100 freestyle world record in Doha. Qin Haiyang (100 breast), Xu Jiayu (100 back), and Wang Shun (200 IM) all swam their top times in the fall at either the Asian Games or in Qin’s case, on the World Cup circuit. September’s Asian Games were a home meet for China and some swimmers prioritized that meet in 2023.

On the flip side, Germany’s top times, courtesy of Lukas Märtens, all came from the 22-year-old’s performances at German Championships at the end of April.

Similarly, the British men’s rankings in the top five all come from their Olympic Trials. There, Ben Proud, Duncan Scott, Matt Richards, Tom Dean, Adam Peaty, Oliver Morgan, and Max Litchfield all swam top five times in the world, with Litchfield taking the top time in the men’s 400 IM. Great Britain’s men are tied in the medal table with the Australian men, who haven’t had their Trials yet.

Irish swimmers have one last opportunity to earn qualifying times at the end of May at the Irish Open Championships. Like Germany, their two “golds” are thanks to one swimmer, in their case Daniel Wiffen, who swept the distance events at the 2024 World Championships.

Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
China 4 2 6
Japan 2 1 1 4
Germany 2 1 3
Ireland 2 2
Australia 1 3 1 5
Great Britain 1 3 1 5
Switzerland 1 1 2
Spain 1 1
Italy 3 2 5
United States 1 4 5
South Korea 1 1
Hungary 1 1
New Zealand 1 1
Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) 1 1

15 countries are represented on this hypothetical medal table. That is only one less than the 16 countries who medalled in the individual men’s events at the 2020 Olympics. The countries on this list that did not medal in Tokyo are Ireland, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), and New Zealand. At the 2020 Games, the U.S that led the men’s individual events medal table with six gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.

From a total medals lens, China still leads the table with six. But four countries–Australia, Great Britain, Italy, and the U.S–all follow with five entries in the top three of the world rankings. Neither Australia nor the U.S have held their Olympic Trials yet.

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John26
6 months ago

Stray thoughts:

– Past few US Olympic trials have seen a big name veteran missing out: Lochte, Adrian, coughlin, etc. I wonder who’s going to miss out this year. Candidates: Kalisz, Andrew, Manuel, Smoliga, Murphy, Fink, Dressel are all candidates.

– thinking back, the London 2012 Olympics were stellar. We had a surprising high number of WRs and/or peak performances by individuals who were not medalists the previous year: Gyurta, Van Der Burgh, Agnel, Schmitt, Adrian, Ledecky, LeClos. I remember thinking that almost half the races were won in somewhat of an upset vs expectations coming into the meet. I don’t think any international meet since (in my opinion) has met that caliber of suprise + top level times… Read more »

Lisa
Reply to  John26
6 months ago

Those candidates with Murphy, Fink and Dressel is pretty much gonna be on the team especially Dressel in the 100 fly with relay. I have my doubt on the other four but Manuel seems to be doing well to qualify for the relay and after last year I’m not convinced about Andrew at all.

Last edited 6 months ago by Lisa
OldManSwims
6 months ago

As a Canadian fan, disappointing to see Finlay Knox 2IM gold medal time from Qatar already dropped outside the top 5. Any other 2024 “World Champions” outside the top 5 right now?

Troyy
Reply to  OldManSwims
6 months ago

Dong (M200BR), Ribeiro (M100FL), Stephens (W200FL) and Colbert (W400IM) are all not ranked top five.

Greg P
Reply to  OldManSwims
6 months ago

By the time USA/Australia/Canada/France trials are completed, most Doha winning times will be outside top 5, the exceptions are probably:

Men’s 1500 free, 200 fly

Women’s 50 fr, 200 br, 200 IM

Oh, and also Pan’s 100 free WR but that’s relay lead off. His individual 100 free winning time 47.53 will be outside top 5.

anty75
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

Marrit Steenbergen’s 52.26 in 100 free was also pretty impressive, can’t imagine 5 girls beating this time before Olympics

Greg P
Reply to  anty75
6 months ago

Haughey, MOC, Jack, Harris, McKeon, Douglas, and Marritt herself during pre-Olympics race.

anty75
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

Haughey already is ahead, MOC certainly will also be faster. But I doubt about others…

Greg P
Reply to  anty75
6 months ago

So just needs 4 girls then since Haughey is already ahead

Troyy
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

Marrit has no reason to be that fast again until Paris.

Greg P
Reply to  Troyy
6 months ago

I mean, there’s also no reason for Kaylee and ZSC to break WRs in small meets and they did.

Weinstein-Smith-Ledecky-Sims
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

In regard to the W 200 BR, let’s wait for the results from a fully tapered Lilly King.

Sub13
Reply to  Weinstein-Smith-Ledecky-Sims
6 months ago

The winning time in Doha was 2:19.8. You think Lilly King is dropping a 1.2 second PB before Paris? And that two other swimmers will join her?

relays are fun
Reply to  Sub13
6 months ago

You missed by a decimal, Sub13. Lilly’s PB is 2:19.92 from Tokyo Games. Thus, Lilly would need a PB by 0.12, not 1.2, to reach the Doha winning time.

Rafael
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

Kim time only if Costa and Hafnaoui drop something, if not them, no one can

Sub13
Reply to  OldManSwims
6 months ago

Some of the times are still in the top 5 but have been absolutely destroyed. W400IM is 6 seconds slower than the season top time. W200 back is 2 seconds slower.

Anne
6 months ago

Where’s leon marchand?

Greg P
Reply to  Anne
6 months ago

Right now possibly training with uncle Bob.

Last edited 6 months ago by Greg P
Carrillo
6 months ago

I find it interesting how specific the ability is to perform at the top level at any given distance in men’s freestyle. There is no overlap between anybody in the top 5 between the 50, 100, 200, and 400. People are really having to home in on one event to remain competitive.

Last edited 6 months ago by Carrillo
Greg P
Reply to  Carrillo
6 months ago

This is just a very recent phenomenon. Also, you have to wait until trials and Olympics to say for certain that there’s no overlap.

Van Den Hoogenband used to be top 3 in 50/100/200

Thorpe used to be top 3 in 100/200/400

Hackett used to be top 3 in 200/400/800/1500. Ditto Sun Yang and Park Tae Hwan.

I think Popovici will be top 5 in 100/200. Ditto Matt Richards. Jack Alexy could be top 5 in 50/100.

anty75
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

And Dressel should be also after trials

Sub13
Reply to  Carrillo
6 months ago

Aside from Martens who is #1 in the 200 and 400?

Greg P
Reply to  Sub13
6 months ago

And Elijah Winnington who is #2 in 400 and 800

kevin
6 months ago

its a fun report though it will change dramatically after the Aussie and us trials . What d we do with China ???

commonwombat
Reply to  kevin
6 months ago

US Trial = most definitely

AUS = much less so; those who are likely to contend have already identified themselves.

Sub13
Reply to  commonwombat
6 months ago

But the Australians are still going to shake up the rankings. W50-800 free should all be rocked by trials, Kaylee won’t announce herself in any event but might improve her times, M50-800 free could all have better times recorded and move the rankings, M/W100 fly etc.

Zaj
6 months ago

Corrections:-

Xu Jiayu had clocked 51.91 in 100m backstroke at last september asian games in Mixed 4x100m medley relays on 27/09/2023

anty75
Reply to  Zaj
6 months ago

Mixed relays times even on the first leg don’t count as records

Greg P
Reply to  anty75
6 months ago

This is not the list of records

This is the list of fastest times this season.

anty75
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

Yes but the reasoning why they don’t count as fastest times is the same

Greg P
Reply to  anty75
6 months ago

No, Swimswam is not the World Aquatics or USA SWIMMING. Swimswam is not official body of swimming.

Swimming fans and Swimming sites acknowledged Lisbeth Trickett’s 52.99 to lead off Australia mixed free relay in 2007 Duel in the Pool swimming against Phelps as the first time a female swimmer swam under 53. even Wikipedia acknowledged it.

It was however not recognized by FINA or Swimming Australia as a record.

Xu Jiayu 51.91 was not DSQ, so it was a legit swim.

anty75
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

Well, women’s times when swimming against men you can certainly acknowledge as legitimate results but not vice versa. Swimming in clear water has obvious advantages)

Greg P
Reply to  anty75
6 months ago

You certainly can ignore Xu Jiayu 51.91 and pretend it doesn’t exist.

But some of us can also acknowledge Xu Jiayu 51.91 exists and we won’t be surprised if he swims sub 52 in Paris.

Zaj
Reply to  anty75
6 months ago

Please be informed that stated in the article 52.05 was the time xu clocked came from medley relay. He clocked 52.23 in the 100m backstroe individual event at asian game. In mixed medley relays he clocked even faster 51.91secs.

Hank
6 months ago

400free and 1500fr WRs are going down this year. 50fr, 200fr and 800fr will remain. Of these 200fr most likely to fall if Popovici finds his form. 200 back? Probably not. Any other super suited WRs remaining? Relays?

Alice
Reply to  Hank
6 months ago

4×100 and 4×200 relays still remain. I think it is quite likely that 4×200 will be broken, China, GBR, USA, and South Korea will all be fighting for podium spots.

Sub13
Reply to  Alice
6 months ago

And AUS. Australia’s relay last year was only 0.3 off Chinese record and 0.4 of Korean record, and have gained a 1:44 flat start since then

L m
6 months ago

List is not without errors to say the least.
Just look at your report on the two Israeli men Paris qualifiers in the 50 free. And many more.

Sub13
Reply to  L m
6 months ago

What are you talking about? There are no Israelis on any of the lists

LDM
Reply to  Sub13
6 months ago

When you take a closer look at the larger list (over the first 5) you may find many errors (Meiron Cheruti 21.89 from the April Eindhoven meeting to name one – don’t worry there are many like these).
Basically, the SwimSwam ranking is not up-to-date.

Greg P
Reply to  LDM
6 months ago

Meiron Cheruti 21.89 is ranked 24th this season.

NOWHERE close to top 5.

If you say many like this, bring it and I will refute it easily.

Winter Apple
Reply to  LDM
6 months ago

Can you read? Shoot you don’t even need to know how to read, can you see numbers and tell which ones are bigger or smaller?

Greg P
Reply to  L m
6 months ago

Huh?

What are you talking about?

No Israeli man is anywhere near top 5 in 50 free, or any other events.

And what exactly are ‘many more’s?

Care to elaborate?

Last edited 6 months ago by Greg P
LDM
Reply to  Greg P
6 months ago

When you take a closer look at the larger list (over the first 5) you may find many errors (Meiron Cheruti 21.89 from the April Eindhoven meeting to name one – don’t worry there are many like these).
Basically, the SwimSwam ranking is not up-to-date.

Greg P
Reply to  LDM
6 months ago

Meiron Cheruti 21.89 is ranked 24th this season.

NOWHERE close to top 5.

If you say many like this, bring it and I will refute it easily.

This Guy
Reply to  LDM
6 months ago

The article is about top 5 swims in each event. They aren’t going through and verifying all times. They are just going off of a database. Relax weirdo

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Sophie grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, which means yes, she does root for the Bruins, but try not to hold that against her. At 9, she joined her local club team because her best friend convinced her it would be fun. Shoulder surgery ended her competitive swimming days long ago, …

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