The final started with a fast first 200 metres, but Kelly Holmes and Maria de Lurdes Mutola were last at this stage.

Holmes' face lit up as she crossed the line, but then, unsure of the result, she anxiously waited for the times to come up.

[2][3] Holmes had only decided to enter the 800 metres at the last moment, and went on to also win gold in her preferred event, the 1500 m. This feat made her one of the UK's most successful ever athletes ; the Olympic 800–1500 metres double was never accomplished by any of their great 1980s middle distance trio, Sebastian Coe, Steve Ovett or Steve Cram.

For the women's 800 metres, each National Olympic Committee was permitted to enter up to three athletes that had run the race in 2:00.00 or faster during the qualification period.

[4] Qualification rule: The top two finishers in each heat (Q) plus the next two fastest overall runners (q) advanced to the final.