200m

200 metres (200 m) is a length in the metric system commonly used in track and field to designate a sprint race. It covers about 656.2 feet and is roughly one eighth of a mile. The event is typically run on standard outdoor 400 m tracks as a half-lap race, with athletes starting on a staggered line on the curve and finishing on the straight. It emphasizes rapid acceleration, sustained top speed, and the ability to maintain velocity while negotiating the turn.

An indoor variant exists on 200 m indoor tracks, where runners complete a full lap with sharper bends. The tighter curves and shorter straightaways can alter pacing and technique compared with the outdoor event, often affecting times and race strategy.

Records and conditions: The outdoor men’s world record is 19.19 seconds, set by Usain Bolt of Jamaica in 2009 (Berlin). The outdoor women’s world record is 21.34 seconds, set by Florence Griffith-Joyner of the United States in 1988 (Seoul). Wind can influence performances in outdoor sprints; for record eligibility, wind assistance must not exceed +2.0 meters per second.

Competition and significance: The 200 m is a standard event at major competitions such as the Olympic Games and the World Athletics Championships, as well as numerous regional championships. Runners must balance speed on the curve with speed on the straight, leveraging a strong start, efficient turning technique, and economical mechanics to optimize finish time.