SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/swim-individual-medley-order

What is the individual medley stroke order?

Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle.

Start playing free

  1. Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle ✔
  2. Backstroke, butterfly, breaststroke, freestyle
  3. Breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, freestyle

Why: The individual medley goes butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, then freestyle. Each stroke covers one quarter of the distance.

Huh, didn't know that: In the medley, the freestyle leg must be swum on the front, except during the turn.

The dad joke
What do you call a swimming race between fish? A fish meet.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle. The individual medley goes butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, then freestyle. Each stroke covers one quarter of the distance.

  1. World Aquatics Competition Regulations, in force February 2026 resources.fina.org/fina/document/2026/02/18/e6815ecc-06d9-4f0b-98e9-4c441cf5e6a3/2026-02-18_World-Aquatics_CR-Final.pdf
    In an individual Medley race: the Athlete must perform the four swimming strokes, each for one quarter (1/4) of the total race distance
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. World Aquatics Competition Regulations, in force February 2026 resources.fina.org/fina/document/2026/02/18/e6815ecc-06d9-4f0b-98e9-4c441cf5e6a3/2026-02-18_World-Aquatics_CR-Final.pdf
    the four swimming strokes, each for one quarter (1/4) of the total race distance, in the following order: Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Freestyle.
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  3. World Aquatics Competition Regulations, in force February 2026 resources.fina.org/fina/document/2026/02/18/e6815ecc-06d9-4f0b-98e9-4c441cf5e6a3/2026-02-18_World-Aquatics_CR-Final.pdf
    during the Freestyle section, the Athlete’s body must be on the breast, except when executing a turn.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessWhich stroke goes first in a medley relay?Sports & FitnessWhat does drowning usually look and sound like?Sports & FitnessA weak swimmer can drown in about the time it takes to do what?

That's stuff everyone should know.