Barshim became only the second man to earn 3 medals in high jump, joining Patrik Sjöberg of Sweden (1984–92).

All the while, returning silver medalist Mutaz Essa Barshim and former world indoor champion Gianmarco Tamberi maintained a clean sheet to be tied for first place.

Jumping in the first position, Barshim's perfection put pressure on the rest of the field to maintain at each new height, which only Tamberi could match.

Nobody was able to clear 2.39 metres, confirming Nedasekau with bronze, and leaving Barshim and Tamberi tied in the lead position.

Close friends who had both battled back from serious injury, Tamberi and Barshim agreed to share the top step; they clasped hands, embraced and each then celebrated the gold medal.

The United States made its 28th appearance, most of any nation, having missed only the boycotted 1980 Games.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the period was suspended from 6 April 2020 to 30 November 2020, with the end date extended to 29 June 2021.

The world rankings period start date was also changed from 1 May 2019 to 30 June 2020; athletes who had met the qualifying standard during that time were still qualified, but those using world rankings would not be able to count performances during that time.

[2] On 29 June 2021, 16 high jumpers qualified with entry standard and 16 by ranking position.

This qualification list does not include Danil Lysenko of Russia (formerly competed as ANA), 2.40 m in 2018, but since under a 6-year ban by Court of Arbitration for Sport for doping.

[13] However, the list includes all the 7 jumpers with more than the 2.33 m Entry Standard since 2019: This list includes also all the main last major championships winners since 2018: Barshim (WCh Doha 2019), Przybylko (ECh Berlin 2018), Ferreira (SACh Guayaquil 2021), Ghazal (AsCh Doha 2019), Sawe (AfCh Asaba 2018), Kerr (OCh Townsville 2019), Starc (Commonwealth Games 2018), Zayas (Pan American Games 2019) and Harrison and Lovett, the US and Canadian Olympic Trials' winners.