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

Which stroke goes first in a medley relay?

Backstroke opens a medley relay.

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  1. Butterfly
  2. Backstroke ✔
  3. Breaststroke

Why: The medley relay order is backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, then freestyle. Backstroke goes first, so medley relays start in the water.

Huh, didn't know that: The individual medley starts with butterfly instead.

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Why did the relay team get in the water? They wanted to make a splash.
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References

Answer: Backstroke. The medley relay order is backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, then freestyle. Backstroke goes first, so medley relays start in the water.

  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 a Medley relay race: the Athletes 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: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, 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
    The start in Backstroke races and Medley relay races will be in the water.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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