Men's 200m World Record
Usain Bolt holds the men's 200m world record. He ran 19.19 seconds at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin. This mark is the fastest ever ratified by World Athletics.
Women's 200m World Record
Florence Griffith-Joyner holds the women's 200m world record. She set 21.34 seconds at the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. The time remains the fastest ever recorded for women.
Key Context and Ratification
World Athletics maintains official records for the 200m on the track. Wind readings, timing systems, and anti-doping rules are applied to ensure validity. For current standards, see the World Athletics record guidelines at https://worldathletics.org/records/regulations/technical-records
The 200m combines speed and endurance. Record holders typically excel in the 100m and long sprints. Both records are among the most iconic marks in track and field.
