Men's 3000 metres world record progression
The following tables shows the world record progression in the Men's 3000 metres.
The International Amateur Athletics Federation, now known as the International Association of Athletics Federations, ratified its first world record in the event in 1912.
Paavo Nurmi setting a 3,000 m world record in Berlin in 1926
Paavo Johannes Nurmi was a Finnish middle-distance and long-distance runner. He was called the "Flying Finn" or the "Phantom Finn", as he dominated distance running in the 1920s. Nurmi set 22 official world records at distances between 1,500 metres and 20 kilometres, and won nine gold and three silver medals in his 12 events in the Summer Olympic Games. At his peak, Nurmi was undefeated for 121 races at distances from 800 m upwards. Throughout his 14-year career, he remained unbeaten in cross country events and the 10,000 metres.
Nurmi at the 1920 Summer Olympics
Nurmi (second from right) with his family in 1924
Nurmi at the 1920 Olympic trials
Nurmi at the 1924 Summer Olympics