Mbulaeni Mulaudzi won the gold medal with a time of 1:46.32 giving South Africa its first victory in the event.

[3] The champion from Kuala Lumpur, Japheth Kimutai was unable to defend his title finishing fifth in the final.

[1] Whilst the silver medallist in both 1994 and 1998, South African Hezekiél Sepeng, failed to arrive in Manchester for the Games after sustaining a hamstring injury.

[4] Prior to this competition, the existing records were as follows: The heats were held on 27 July, starting at 11:10 in the morning.

[3] Qualification Rules: First 3 in each heat (Q) and the best 4 of remaining athletes (q) advance to the semi finals.