The men's 200 metres at the 2008 Summer Olympics took place on 18–20 August at the Beijing National Stadium.

It was Jamaica's first victory in the event since 1976 and second overall, matching Canada and Italy for second-most (after the United States' 17 wins).

The apparent silver and bronze medalists, Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles and Wallace Spearmon of the United States, were both disqualified.

Two of the eight finalists from the 2004 Games returned: gold medalist Shawn Crawford of the United States and sixth-place finisher Stéphane Buckland of Mauritius.

Bolt won by over half a second, even before a pair of disqualifications, breaking the world record in the event.

Controversy arose within minutes after the medal race when American Wallace Spearmon, who had finished third in 19.95 seconds, was disqualified for stepping out of his lane.

[3] [4] On March 6, 2009, the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected an appeal by the National Olympic Committee of the Netherlands Antilles against Martina's disqualification.

NOCs were also permitted to enter one athlete providing he had met the B standard (20.75) in the same qualifying period.