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Introduced into the Olympics in 1964 The World Championships in 1983, The European Championships 1958 and The Commonwealth Games in 1966 when it was run over 440yards (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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| Marie-Jose Perec | 48.25 |  | 29-7-1996 | Atlanta |
| Jarmila Kratochvilova | 47.99 |  | 10-8-1983 | Helsinki |
| Marita Koch | 48.16 |  | 8-9-1982 | Athens |
| Sandie Richards | 50.17 |  | 18-9-1998 | Kuala Lumpur |
