The women's high jump event at the 2020 Summer Olympics took place on 5 and 7 August 2021 at the Japan National Stadium.

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; athletes who had met the qualifying standard during the suspension time were still qualified, but those using world rankings would not be able to count performances during that time.

The qualifying height standards could be obtained in various meets during the given period that had the approval of World Athletics.

The most recent Area Championships could be counted in the ranking, even if they did not take place during the qualifying period.

There are no reports of her personal involvement in the Russian doping program, but the scandal has resulted in her competing under three flags: Russia, Authorised Neutral Athletes, and ROC as well as under her married and maiden names.

She has won three World Championships, but was barred from competing at the 2016 Olympics as part of a ban of Russia in athletics by the IAAF.

2019 World Championship silver medalist Yaroslava Mahuchikh, still a teenager, held the leading marks of 2021, 2.06m indoors and 2.03m outdoors.

Nicola McDermott, the newest member of the 2 metres club, was the only jumper to clear 1.98m on her first attempt, putting her in the gold medal seat.

At 2 metres, McDermott, vocally encouraginging herself to "come on" before each jump, kept her hand on gold with a second first attempt clearance.

Lasitskene celebrated before the world photographic corps, holding a flag of her Olympic Committee.