The event was won by Robert Shavlakadze of the Soviet Union, the nation's first victory in the men's high jump.

American John Thomas took bronze to keep alive the United States' streak of medaling in every edition of the Olympic men's high jump.

The world record holder, and possibly the odds-on favourite in 1960, was John Thomas of the United States.

The United States appeared for the 14th time, having competed at each edition of the Olympic men's high jump to that point.

John Thomas skipped that height; he joined the three Soviets in all successfully breaking the Olympic record at 2.14 metres.