The men's 800 metres event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1924 Summer Olympics.

Lowe would successfully defend his title four years later, the first man to repeat in the 800 metres.

The favorites for 1924 were Schuyler Enck of the United States (who had the best time in 1924 with 1:53.2), H. B. Stallard of Great Britain (AAA champion), and Paul Martin of Switzerland.

[2] Austria, Brazil, Haiti, Ireland, Mexico, and Poland appeared in the event for the first time.

Great Britain and the United States each made their sixth appearance, tied for the most among all nations.