The first world record in the 100 metres freestyle in long course (50 metres) swimming was recognised by the International Swimming Federation (FINA) in 1905. In the short course (25 metres) swimming events, the world's governing body recognizes world records since 3 March 1991. Times have consistently dropped over the years due to better training techniques, new developments in the sport and swimwear changes (e.g. Goggles were not widely used until the 1970s, providing for considerable expansion of practice/training time.)