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Introduced into the Olympics in 1972 The World Championships in 1983, The European Championships 1969 and The Commonwealth Games in 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
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| Paula Ivan | 3.53.96 |  | 1-10-1988 | Seoul |
| Tatyana Tomashova | 3.58.52 |  | 31-8-2003 | Paris |
| Tatyana Tomashova | 3.56.91 | | 12-8-2006 | Gothenburg |
| Jackline Maranga | 4.05.27 |  | 21-9-1998 | Kuala Lumpur |
