Larry Black took silver, extending the United States' podium streak in the men's 200 metres to nine Games.

One of the eight finalists from the 1968 Games returned: fourth-place finisher (and 1964 bronze medalist) Edwin Roberts of Trinidad and Tobago.

[2] Chad, the Republic of the Congo, East Germany, Lesotho, Malawi, Saudi Arabia, and Suriname each made their debut in the event.

The United States made its 16th appearance, the only nation to have competed at each edition of the men's 200 metres to date.

The top three runners (blue) in each of the five heats and the next fastest (green) advanced to the semifinal round.