British records in athletics are the best performances in athletics events by athletes representing the United Kingdom which are ratified by UK Athletics (UKA).
The idea of a "British Record" was instituted by the AAA in 1887 for performance made in the United Kingdom, by athletes from anywhere in the world. This type of record was superseded in 1948 by the British (All-Comers') Record, and then by the United Kingdom (All-Comers') Record in 1960.
A "British (National) Record" was instituted by the British Amateur Athletic Board (BAAB) in 1948 for performances made in the United Kingdom, by athletes born in the British Commonwealth. This record type was discontinued in 1960 when the BAAB instituted "United Kingdom (National) Records" which defined performances made anywhere in the world by athletes eligible to represent the United Kingdom in international competition.
Alongside this, the AAA defined "English Native Records" in 1928 as performances made in England or Wales by athletes born in England or Wales. This was superseded in 1960 by "AAA National Records" â performances made in England or Wales by athletes born in England or Wales, or by bona fide members of clubs under the jurisdiction of the AAA whose fathers were born in England or Wales.
<small>Performances marked with an asterisk (*) maybe a) not ratifiable or b) currently under further review</small> <br> <small>! = timing by photo-electric cell</small> <br> <small># = not recognised by federation</small> <br> <small>est = estimate</small>