Canoeing at the 1992 Summer Olympics – Men's K-1 500 metres

The men's K-1 500 metres event was an individual kayaking event conducted as part of the Canoeing at the 1992 Summer Olympics program that took place at Castelldefels.

Heats
28 competitors first raced in four heats. The top two finishers from each of the heats advanced directly to the semifinals with the rest competing in the repechages.

Repechages
The top three finishers from each of the three repechages along with the fourth fastest advanced to the semifinals.

Semifinals
The top four finishers in each of the two semifinals along with the fifth fastest advanced to the final.

Final
The final was held on August 7.

Kolehmainen was only seventh at the halfway mark before coming from behind to beat defending Olympic champion Gyulay.