The men's K-1 1000 metres event was an individual kayaking event conducted as part of the Canoeing at the 1996 Summer Olympics program.
The top three finishers from each of the heats advanced directly to the semifinals while the remaining competitors competed in the repechages.
The top four finishers in each repechage and the fastest fifth-place finisher advanced to the semifinals.
The top four finishers from each of the two semifinals along with the fastest fifth-place finisher advanced to the final.
Bonomi took the lead at the 750 meter mark before Holmann, using a wooden boat, pulled away to win by over a boat length.