The men's pole vault event at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California had an entry list of 19 competitors from 13 nations, with two qualifying groups (19 jumpers) before the final (12) took place on Wednesday August 8, 1984.

The event was won by Pierre Quinon of France, the nation's first medal in the men's pole vault.

Bell and Tully continued the American streak of podium appearances in the event every time the United States competed.

The United States had dominated the event through 1968 and still maintained perennially contending teams; Bell and Mike Tully were among the favorites.

France also had a strong team and was the only nation of the four to compete in both 1980 and 1984; Vigneron's finish in Moscow had been disappointing, and he sought a better result in Los Angeles along with teammate Pierre Quinon.