Athletics at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Games:

All the major titles since 1987 had been won by Kenyans. Billy Konchellah was the World Champion in 1987 and 1991, while Paul Ereng had won the 1988 Olympic gold medal, and Sammy Tirop had won the 1990 Commonwealth Games. Ereng was back in Barcelona but did finished last in the second semi-final. Nixon Kiprotich, finalist in 1988, was also back, with William Tanui the third Kenyan runner. The early leader in the final was American Johnny Gray, who passed 400 metres in a quick 49.99. Gray held that lead for much of the last lap, only faltering in the stretch as both Kenyan finalists shot by him with 50 metres to go. Tanui won the gold, outleaning Kiprotich in a close photo-finish (0.04 seconds).