The men's high jump event was part of the track and field athletics programme at the 1948 Summer Olympics.

[2] It was Australia's first victory in the men's high jump, and only the second time a jumper from outside the United States had won.

George Stanich took bronze, keeping alive the United States' streak of medaling in every edition of the men's high jump.

The American team, which had won 9 of 10 Olympics and had "dominated the world lists in 1948," was favored.

The United States appeared for the 11th time, having competed at each edition of the Olympic men's high jump to that point.