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Introduced into the Olympics in 1896, The World Championships in 1983, The European Championships 1934 and The Commonwealth Games in 1930 when it was run over 440 yards (402.336 metres) until 1970.
The record times for the championships are listed below along with the World record progression.
In the world record progression only records that have been ratified by the IAAF or are awaiting ratification have been used.
All other records that have not been ratified or have been removed for whatever reason have not been included.
* = Equalled world record
# = Hand timed
y = 440 yards (402.336 m)
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| Michael Johnson | 43.49 |  | 29-7-1996 | Atlanta |
| Michael Johnson | 43.18 | | 26-8-1999 | Seville |
| Iwan Thomas | 44.52 |  | 21-8-1998 | Budapest |
| Iwan Thomas | 44.52 |  | 18-9-1998 | Kuala Lumpur |
