[1] The event was won by Mike Stulce of the United States, the nation's first victory in the men's shot put since 1968 (and 15th overall).

American Mike Stulce was leading, having the four longest throws of the event, and winning gold with 21.70.

The outcome of this event was a surprise to pundits and spectators alike, with Stulce's win being considered one of the most unexpected upsets of the 1992 games.

The competition used the two-round format introduced in 1936, with the qualifying round completely separate from the divided final.

In qualifying, each athlete received three attempts; those recording a mark of at least 19.80 metres advanced to the final.