The 200 metres straight is a track and field outdoor event of 200 metres on a straight track.
In the 1960s, the straight 200 metres was a separate world record event for men until IAAF deleted this variation from its list of official records.[1] The race was more common during the early to mid 20th century, when panhandle tracks, with 200 metre straightaways, were common. The United States Olympic Trials held the event on a straight until 1932.[2]
Interest in the event was revived around 2009. Several street events, primarily in Manchester, Brussels and Boston have constructed special tracks to hold the races, inviting elite sprinters.
The imperial analogue of the 200 m straight is the 220 yards straight – held over 220 yards (201.17 m) – which has been contested at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships 38 times from 1887 to 1926.[3]
- ^ Butler, Mark (2010-05-13). "Can Tyson Gay break Smith's record in Manchester?". BBC Sport Athletics. Retrieved 2010-05-16.
- ^ Hymans, Richard (2008). The History of the United States Olympic Trials — Track & Field (PDF). USA Track & Field. p. 80.
- ^ "USATF Outdoor Champions". USA Track & Field. Retrieved 4 December 2024.