[2] Americans also took silver (Thane Baker) and bronze (Jim Gathers) as the United States swept the medals in the event for the third time (1904, 1932).

Andy Stanfield, the inaugural world record setter for 200 metres around a curve and winner of three AAU titles, was the favorite.

[1] Bulgaria, Guatemala, Israel, Nigeria, South Korea, the Soviet Union, Thailand, and Venezuela each made their debut in the event.

The United States made its 11th appearance, the only nation to have competed at each edition of the 200 metres to date.

Andy Stanfield's hand-timed final run of 20.7 seconds was equal to the Olympic record.