Men's 200 metres world record progression Records 1951–1976 Records 1951–1976

| Time_ | Wind | Auto | Athlete | Nationality | Location_of_race | Date_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19.8A | 0.9 | 19.86A | Donald Quarrie | Jamaica | Cali, Colombia | August 3, 1971 |
| 19.8+ | 1.3 |  | Donald Quarrie | Jamaica | Eugene, Oregon, United States | June 7, 1975 |