The event was won by Don Bragg of the United States, the nation's 14th consecutive victory in the men's pole vault.

Ron Morris took silver, making it three straight Games the American team had finished 1–2.

Ninth-place finisher Vladimir Bulatov of the Soviet Union was entered and expected to contend (he was ranked 5th in the world in 1959), but broke his ankle in warm-ups.

The United States made its 14th appearance, the only nation to have competed at every Olympic men's pole vault to that point.

Don Bragg and Ron Morris beat the Olympic record, clearing 4.60 metres.