Tokyo World Championships: Kenny Bednarek, Noah Lyles, Letsile Tebogo Coast Through to 200 Meter Semis

The men’s 200m heats at the Tokyo World Championships lit up the track on Wednesday, as both established stars and emerging names secured their passage into the semi-finals. 

Across six fiercely contested heats, athletes from around the world produced blistering times, personal bests, and dramatic finishes that set the stage for an explosive next round.

Dominican Republic’s Alexander Ogando delivered a confident run to open proceedings, taking victory in 20.10 seconds. 

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He held off South Africa’s 400m legend Wayde van Niekerk, who looked sharp in second with 20.19. Switzerland’s Timothé Mumenthaler secured the final automatic qualifying spot in 20.39. Sweden’s Henrik Larsson recorded a lifetime best of 20.40, though it wasn’t quite enough to guarantee progression.

Zimbabwe’s Tapiwanashe Makarawu stunned the field with a powerful run, clocking 19.91 to win Heat 2. American contender Courtney Lindsey followed closely in 19.95, while Jamaica’s Adrian Kerr sealed third in 20.13. France’s Ryan Zeze produced a season-best of 20.23, narrowly missing the automatic places but keeping his semi-final hopes alive.

U.S. star Kenneth Bednarek underlined his consistency, gliding through his heat in 19.98. Nigeria’s Udodi Onwuzurike (20.27) and South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile (20.27) finished in a dead heat for the remaining qualifying positions. Switzerland’s William Reais impressed with 20.38, giving himself a chance as one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers.

World champion Noah Lyles reminded everyone why he is the man to beat, taking Heat 4 in 19.99 with ease. Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes ran strongly for second in 20.07, while Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor clinched third in a personal best of 20.26. 

Olympic champion Andre De Grasse finished just outside in 20.30, needing a fastest-loser spot to continue his campaign.

Jamaica’s Bryan Levell produced the fastest time across all heats, storming to 19.84 with a lightning-quick start. Zimbabwe’s Makanakaishe Charamba continued his nation’s impressive day, finishing second in 20.06. 

Australia’s teenage sensation Gout Gout completed the automatic qualifiers with 20.23. Israel’s Blessing Afrifah (20.47) was unlucky to miss out, while South Africa’s Naeem Jack (20.65) and Ghana’s Ibrahim Fuseini (20.66) await confirmation of progression through the fastest-loser slots.

Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo  looked smooth and efficient racing for the first time since being disqualified for a false start before the 100 meter final  as he controlled Heat 6 in 20.18. 

He finished ahead of the Netherlands’ Xavi Mo-Ajok (20.35) and Japan’s Towa Uzawa (20.39),  all while affording to nonchalantly gallop in the last 20 meters.