The men's 3,000 metres steeplechase event at the 1980 Summer Olympics took place from 26 to 31 July at the Lenin Stadium.

With Ethiopia's Eshetu Tura and Spain's Francisco Sanchez following him, Bayi led the 12-man field through 1,000 metres in 2:38.4.

Although the Tanzanian was still around 20 metres ahead of the Pole at the start of the final lap, Bayi's speed had visibly slowed down.

On the final bend, shortly before the last water barrier, Malinowski at last sprinted past the exhausted Bayi.

The following national records were established during the competition: The men's 3000 metres steeplechase took place over three separate days.