The men's pole vault was a competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom.

The medals were decided at 5.85, Renaud Lavillenie clearing on his first attempt, Björn Otto on the second and Raphael Holzdeppe on his third.

In silver medal position on fewer misses, Otto passed to hope for a miracle at 6.02 while Holzdeppe failed at 5.97 and took the bronze.

During one part of the competition, Cuban Lázaro Borges was attempting to mark 5.35 metres when his pole broke into three large pieces (and at least two small ones).

Other returning finalists were Raphael Holzdeppe of Germany and Jan Kudlička of the Czech Republic.

The United States made its 26th appearance, most of any nation, having missed only the boycotted 1980 Games.

The maximum number of athletes per nation had been set at 3 since the 1930 Olympic Congress.

NOCs could also have an athlete enter the pole vault through a universality place.