The event was won by Charles Dumas of the United States, the nation's second consecutive and 11th overall victory in the men's high jump.

The returning finalists from the 1952 Games were bronze medalist José da Conceição of Brazil and eleventh-place finisher Peter Wells of Great Britain.

Charles Dumas was the favorite, having broken the 7-foot mark at the U.S. trials with a 2.15 metres world record.

Sweden's Bengt Nilsson was the 1954 European champion and the only non-American considered a contender for gold, but he "was injured shortly before leaving for Melbourne.

The United States appeared for the 13th time, having competed at each edition of the Olympic men's high jump to that point.