EUGENE, Ore. – LaShawn Merritt considers his 200-meter races to be more of a lark than anything else.

Think of the possibilities if they ever become a serious pursuit.

Already qualified for the Olympics in his “real” race, the 400, Merritt pulled away for an easy victory in the opening round of 200-meter qualifying at the rain-soaked U.S. Olympic Trials on Thursday, posting the night’s third-best time at 20.09 seconds.

He already has the world’s best time this year, at 19.78 seconds, and if world-record holder Usain Bolt’s hamstring injury turns out to be worse than expected – well, who knows what could happen?

“It’s not really a serious thing for me,” said Merritt, who also owns the fastest time at 400 meters this year. “I just want to have some fun with it, and if I have the ability to do it, I figure I’ll do it. I’ll try to make it as light as possible.”

Among those who take the 200 more seriously are worlds silver medalist Justin Gatlin, Tyson Gay, Mike Rodgers and Wallace Spearmon, who is trying to return to the upper-echelon of this race after struggling with injuries. All made it through their first-round heats with ease.

Allyson Felix also views it as more work than play, and is trying to become the first woman to win Olympic gold in both events. Felix is already qualified at 400 meters and begins her quest in the 200, her specialty, today.

Merritt could become the first man to win a 200-400 Olympic double since Michael Johnson in 1996. But his specialty is the 400, where he won Olympic gold in 2008.