The event consisted of a double FITA round.

For each round, the archer shot 36 arrows at each of four distances—70, 60, 50, and 30 metres.

16 nations sent 27 athletes to the women's competition in archery.

[1] Luann Ryon of the United States broke both of her countrywoman Doreen Wilber's Olympic records in the event (FITA round and double FITA round) on her way to the second straight gold medal for an American in the women's competition.

The following new Olympic records were set during this competition.