What is the 200m world record?

The 200 metres, also known as the 200-meter dash, is a sprint running event.  Usain Bolt of Jamaica holds the men’s world record with a time of 19.19 seconds at the 2009 World Championships.

Florence Griffith-Joyner of the United States holds the women’s world record, running 21.34 seconds at the 1988 Summer Olympics.

Andre De Grasse (CAN) and Elaine Thompson-Herah (USA) are the reigning Olympic champions (JAM). Noah Lyles (USA) and Shericka Jackson (USA) are the reigning World Champions (JAM).

The 200 m sprint emphasises speed endurance more than shorter sprint distances because athletes rely primarily on anaerobic energy systems during the sprint.

The 200 m sprint, like other sprint distances, starts from the starting blocks. Sprinters can adopt a more efficient starting posture and isometrically preload their muscles when they take the ‘set’ position in the blocks.

This allows them to stride forward more powerfully and start faster when the race begins.