Qualified 7th from heats. Bronze at 1996 OG, 6th in 2016, 4th in 2012, 12th in 2008, 6th in 2004 and 2000. Bronze at 2003 WCh, 8th in 2019, 9th in 2017, 5th in 2015 and 2009, 6th in 2013, 4th in 2011, 9th in 2007, 7th in 2005. Gold at 2014 European Ch. GER missed out on their first Olympic medal since 1996 after finishing 0.29 seconds behind third-placed CHN in 2016.
Qualified 5th from heats. Gold at OG in 2016, 2012, 2008, 2004 and 1996, silver in 2000, bronze in 1992. Gold at WCh in 2013, 2011, 2009, 2007 and 2005, silver in 2015 and 2003, bronze in 2019 and 2017. The USA have won four straight Olympic golds and their 24 medals, including 17 gold, are 16 more than their closest rival, AUS.
Qualified 3rd from heats. Bronze in 2004 OG, 9th in 2016, 11th in 2012, 4th in 2008 and 2000. Silver at 2001 WCh, 4th in 2019, 6th in 2017, 13th in 2015, 10th in 2013, 8th in 2011, 6th in 2009. Bronze at 2021, 2018 and 2016 European Ch. ITA have made 13 consecutive appearances in the event and have qualified for the final in eight of the last 11 OG since 1976.
Qualified 1st from heats. Silver at 2016 OG, 6th in 2012 and 2008, 4th in 2004, 5th in 2000 and 1996, bronze in 1984. Finished 5th at 2019 WCh, gold in 2017 and 2015. Silver at 2021 European Ch, gold in 2018. Great Britain won the first Olympic men's 4x200m freestyle relay gold medal on offer, in 1908 in London, and have competed in the event at a record 25 Olympic Games.
Qualified 2nd from heats. Gold at 2000 OG, silver in 2004, bronze in 2008, 4th in 2016, 5th in 2012. Gold at WCh in 2019, 2003 and 2001, silver in 2007, bronze in 2015, 2009 and 2005, 4th in 2017, 9th in 2013. AUS are current world champions and have the second most Olympic medals (8) behind USA (24).
Qualified 6th from heats. Finished 12th in 2019 WCh, 16th in 2015, 17th in 2009, 13th in 2003. DSQ at 2021 European Ch, 12th in 2016, 2014 and 2004, 8th in 2012. SUI are making their first Olympic appearance since 1960.
Qualified 8th from heats. Finished 14th at 2016 OG, 16th in 2008, 9th in 2004, 13th in 2000. Placed 7th at 2019 WCh, 15th in 2015, 11th in 2013 and 2007, 14th in 2011, 10th in 2009, 9th in 2003. Three straight golds at South American Ch in 2021, 2018 and 2016. Gold at 2019 PanAm Games. BRA are seeking their first medal since taking bronze at the 1980 OG.
USA
GER
ITA
GBR
AUS
ROC
SUI
BRA
