Dwight Stones won his second consecutive bronze medal, becoming the third man to win multiple medals in the high jump and keeping the United States' streak of podium appearances (all 18 editions of the Olympic men's high jump) alive one final time.

The returning finalists from the 1972 Games were bronze medalist Dwight Stones of the United States and sixth-place finisher István Major of Hungary; the defending champion, Soviet Jüri Tarmak, had retired.

The United States appeared for the 18th time, having competed at each edition of the Olympic men's high jump to that point.

If fewer than 12 jumpers could achieve it, the top 12 (including ties) would advance to the final.

Home crowd hero Joy cleared that height on his final attempt, ultimately gaining silver for it.

Each man took two unsuccessful jumps at 2.27, eliminating Joy in second place and leaving Wszoła alone as gold medalist.