Winner of the last three editions, the team of the Netherlands was not in Istanbul to defend the gold medal in the women's 4x100m free relay. This time, the triumph went to the United States, last victorious at the 2004 edition in Indianapolis. With a quartet formed by Megan Romano, Jessica Hardy, Lia Neal and Allison Schmitt, the North Americans touched home in 3:31.01 – Neal made the difference (52.44) in the third leg, when Brianna Throssell (AUS, 54.19) could not keep the pace of her team, until then in the lead. The Australians finished second in 3:32.90, while Denmark continues to impress, getting one more medal (bronze in 3:33.51).

World Record: Netherlands, 3:28.22 – December 19, 2008 in Amsterdam (NED)
Championships Record: Netherlands, 3:28.54 – December 18, 2010 in Dubai (UAE)
Last five (2002-2010) winners in this event: 2002 – Sweden (3:35.09); 2004 – United States (3:35.07); 2006 – Netherlands (3:33.32); 2008 – Netherlands (3:29.42); 2010 – Netherlands (3:28.54)
The best in this event (1. most victories or 2. fastest time): China (1993, 1995 & 1997) and Netherlands (2006, 2008 & 2010)