Who is the fastest men's 200m runner in 2024 ahead of Paris Olympics? A look at top sprinters of the season

Noah Lyles is the fastest men’s runner in the 200m in the 2024 season ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics. A three-time world champion in the discipline, Lyles achieved the world-leading time at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials held at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

He won the 200m event at the trials with a swift time of 19.53s (+0.5 m/s), to make his second Olympic team at the Paris Olympics. He earlier topped the 100m event with a 9.83s at the U.S. Olympic Trials to ensure his qualification for the quadrennial Games.

Lyles, who ranks third in the all-time 200m list with an American record of 19.31s, opened his campaign in the 200m this season at the USATF New York City Grand Prix with a 19.77s. Following his impressive performances in 2024, he stands as one of the strong contenders for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

At the 200m U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, Kenny Bednarek came second behind Lyles, clocking a 19.59s to book his spot in the USA’s squad for the Paris Olympics. This performance by Bednarek made him the second-fastest sprinter in the men’s 200m in 2024. Like Lyles, he also had earlier earned his spot in the 100m event at the trials.

Behind Lyles and Bednarek, Courtney Lindsey of the United States is the third-fastest 200m athlete in the 2024 season, courtesy of his performance at the Kip Keino Classic where he clocked a 19.71s. However, Lindsey couldn’t book his spot in the Olympic team after finishing an underwhelming sixth with a 20.00s in the finals.

The third spot in the U.S. trials went to Erriyon Knighton, who placed third in the finals, recording a 19.77s. This was also the sixth-quickest time this season.

Meanwhile, Letsile Tebogo of Botswana is tied with Lindsey for the third-fastest 200m time in the 2024 season. Uganda's Tarsis Orogot holds the fifth-fastest run of the season with a 19.75s.

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Noah Lyles sets his sights on first Olympic gold in 200m at Paris Olympics

Noah Lyles at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Noah Lyles won the bronze medal in the men’s 200m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after clocking a sensational 19.74s in the finals. He was edged out by Canada’s Andre de Grasse (19.62s) and compatriot Kenny Bednarek (19.68s), who took home the gold and silver.

However, Lyles is aiming to change the color of the medal this time as he eyes to win the gold at the quadrennial games in the event. Based on recent performances, he will be heading into the race as the pre-race favorite. He is also looking for an impressive campaign in the 100m and 4x100m relay events at the Summer Olympics.