Michael Johnson Runs 200 Meters in 19.98

World champion Michael Johnson of the United States won the 200 meters in 19.98 seconds at a track meet at Rieti, Italy, Friday, in the fastest time in the world this year.

Johnson had a strong start and held a lead of several meters over Robson da Silva of Brazil midway through the race, coasting to an easy victory. Da Silva was a distant second at 20.76.

Former world record-holder Leroy Burrell lost to fellow Americans Andre Cason and Mike Marsh in the men’s 100 with a time of 10.18. Cason won in 10.11 and Marsh was second at 10.16.

Three-time world champion Greg Foster won the 110-meter high hurdles, edging fellow American Renaldo Nehemiah in 13.30.