[2] The event was won by Harry Porter of the United States, the nation's fourth consecutive victory in the men's high jump.

The favorite was Irish jumper Con Leahy, the four-time (1905–1908) AAA champion who had also won the 1907 AAU title and the 1906 Intercalated Games.

American Harry Porter, the 1908 AAU champion, was also highly regarded.

The United States appeared for the fourth time, having competed at each edition of the Olympic men's high jump to that point.

(*) unofficial Harry Porter equalized the standing Olympic record with 1.90 metres.