Michael Johnson, who won the 200 and 400 at Atlanta, goes for an unprecedented second 400-meter title. Cuba's Javier Sotomayor makes a controversial return after testing positive for cocaine, and will attempt to regain the Olympic high jump title he won in 1992. United States sprinter Maurice Greene will attempt to solidify his status as the world's fastest human in the 100. In the 800, competitors must stay in their lanes only until the end of the first bend, at which point they break for the inside lane. In the 4x400, teams run in their lanes for a complete lap and one complete curve before they are allowed to break.
Competitors can decide at which height they'll enter the competition.
After a failure at one height, a competitor may forego his other two attempts and try at the next height. A competitor is eliminated after three consecutive failed attempts, regardless of the height. In case of a tie, the competitor with the fewest misses at the last height wins. If there's still a tie, fewest misses in the competition wins. Athletes may touch the crossbar as long as it does not fall.