Saidur Rahman Dawn was 21 years old at the time of the Los Angeles Olympics, and was making his only Olympic appearance. On 3 August, he took part in the heats of the 100 metres race, where he was drawn into eight, which he finished in 11.25 seconds, in eighth and last place for his heat. Only the top three in each heat and the next seven fastest from all heats could advance, and Dawn was eliminated. The gold medal was eventually won by Carl Lewis of the United States, the silver belonged to fellow American Sam Graddy, and the bronze was won by Canadian Ben Johnson. Three days later Dawn took part in the heats of the 200 metres. He was drawn into heat 1, and finished in a time of 22.59 seconds; seventh and last among those who finished his heat. This time, only the top three from a heat and the next two fastest overall could advance, and Dawn's competition came to an end. Americans eventually swept the podium, with Lewis winning the gold medal, Kirk Baptiste the silver, and Thomas Jefferson the bronze.