Isaiah Msibi was 24 years old at the time, and likewise making his first Olympic appearance. On 15 August, he took part in the men's 1500 meters and finished the first round race in 3 minutes and 51.35 seconds, 12th in his heat, and was eliminated from the competition. The gold medal was eventually won in 3 minutes and 33.11 seconds by Asbel Kiprop of Morocco, the silver by Nick Willis of New Zealand, and the bronze was won by France's Mehdi Baala.