The men's sprint at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany, was held on 1 to 2 September 1972.

Silver went to John Nicholson of Australia, taking the nation's first medal in the men's sprint since 1956.

Omar Pkhakadze, who had finished fourth in 1968, won the bronze this time for the Soviet Union's first medal in the event.

Morelon was heavily favored to repeat, with three world championships and two Grand Prix de Paris wins since his 1968 gold medal.

[2] The Bahamas and Malaysia each made their debut in the men's sprint; East Germany competed separately for the first time.