GUIDES · BETSLIP DOCTOR
What stroke order is used in an individual medley versus a medley relay?
In an individual Medley, the order is Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, then Freestyle. In a Medley relay, it is Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, then Freestyle. For either event, Freestyle means a style other than the other three named strokes.
For Swimming fans, athletes, and viewers comparing individual Medley and Medley relay events. · Updated
The individual and relay orders differ
Part Two Article 9.1 gives the individual Medley sequence as Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle. Article 9.2 puts Backstroke first in the Medley relay, followed by Breaststroke, Butterfly, and Freestyle.
Both events divide the total distance into four equal stroke sections under this edition. The first three names are the stroke sections; the final Freestyle section has its own definition in a Medley.
Freestyle in a Medley excludes the other three strokes
Part Two Article 5.1 says Freestyle in an individual Medley or Medley relay means any style other than Backstroke, Breaststroke, or Butterfly. Article 9.3 adds body-position requirements for that section: the swimmer must be on the breast except while turning and must return to the breast before any kick or stroke.
Leaving the wall on the back during the Freestyle section is allowed, but kicking cannot begin until the swimmer has returned past vertical to the breast. Article 9.4 also requires each section to finish under that stroke’s applicable rules. These statements describe the February 2026 edition; check the governing rules for a specific local meet.
Fictional meet program
A fictional program lists one individual Medley and one Medley relay. The individual event maps to Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle; the relay maps to Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle. In either event, the final Freestyle section cannot be Backstroke, Breaststroke, or Butterfly. This illustrates the February 2026 text without deciding a real event.
Related questions
Why does the Medley relay start with Backstroke?
The February 2026 World Aquatics sequence in Part Two Article 9.2 is Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Freestyle. Article 9.1 gives a different order for the individual Medley.
Can a swimmer leave the wall on the back during the Freestyle part?
Article 9.3 allows leaving the wall on the back, but the swimmer must return past vertical to the breast before kicking; the body must be on the breast before any kick or stroke.