Since its inception at the Games’ second iteration, the 200-meter dash has been one of the most popular and well watched events at the Summer Olympics.
The men’s 200-meter dash has been a staple of the Olympic sports programme since 1900, and the women’s 200-meter dash has been included in every Olympics since its debut in 1948.
There is no more prestigious elite-level 200-meter dash than this one. A common competition format includes three or four preliminary heats followed by a finals race with the top eight competitors.
The Olympic Record for the Distance
Men’s record is 19.30 seconds, set by Usain Bolt in 2008, while women’s record is 21.34 seconds, set by Florence Griffith-Joyner in 1988.
Six men have set the world record at the Olympics: in 1956, 1960 (twice), 1968, 1996 (twice), and 2008. Women’s world records have also been tied to the Olympics.
With the following years’ competitions setting new marks: 1952 (twice), 1956, 1968, 1972, and 1988. (twice).
Griffith-Olympic Joyner’s time from 1988 is still the world record, while Bolt’s Olympic time is third fastest ever.
Only three athletes in history have repeated as champions. In 1980, East German’s Bärbel Wöckel successfully defended her title, and in 2008, it was Veronica Campbell-turn.
Brown’s When Usain Bolt won the 200-meter dash in the 2012 Summer Olympics, he became the first person to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the event.
At the 2016 Summer Olympics, he successfully defended his title and won his third Olympic 200-meter gold medal.
The Men’s 200 Meters Event at the 2020 Summer Olympics
In the 2020 Summer Olympics, the men’s 200-meter dash was held on August 3 and 4, 2021, in the Olympic Stadium.
Five universality spots were among the 48 athletes representing 33 countries (one universality place was used in 2016).
Andre De Grasse, the 12th man to win multiple medals in the 200-meter dash, won gold to add to his silver from 2016. This was Canada’s first gold medal in the event since 1928, and their third overall.
For the first time since 2008, Americans have finished on the podium thanks to Kenneth Bednarek and Noah Lyles of the United States.
Where they coincidentally also won two medals: a silver, and a bronze. Usain Bolt’s retirement put a stop to Jamaica’s three-Games gold medal streak in the race.
Conclusion
The United States men swept the first three places at the track and field championships, led by sprinter Noah Lyles, who set a new national record in the 200-meter dash by winning the world gold in 19.31 seconds.
City of Eugene, Oregon (EUGENE) — Noah Lyles knelt with his hands on his knees and stared angrily at the wall clock.
