As in previous editions, the competition was by invitation only and events were contested in a single final format.

[1] Significant prize money was available to athletes, with some event winners receiving US$40,000,[2] and world record breaking performances were worth $120,000.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee won a fourth consecutive heptathlon title at the Goodwill Games in what was the last competitive outing of her career.

Dan O'Brien, completing his first decathlon since his 1996 Olympic gold, won the event with a games record score.

[4] Note: The IAAF announced on 12 August 2008 that they had rescinded this record after Antonio Pettigrew admitted to using human growth hormone and EPO between 1997 and 2003.