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.
- ^ 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.